“It can go either way”: An intersectional exploration of healthcare providers' perspectives on the impact of personal and professional identities on caring for sex trafficked persons

Access to healthcare is essential for individuals who have been sex trafficked, as they often face a range of physical, mental, and sexual health challenges. However, providers frequently lack awareness of trafficking indicators, skills in trauma- and violence-informed care, and knowledge of how to create culturally sensitive, stigma-free environments. Additionally, providers' identities, such as gender, race, culture, and profession, may shape their interactions with trafficked individuals, affecting their ability to deliver appropriate care. This study explored how healthcare providers perceive the influence of their intersecting identities on their interactions with domestically sex trafficked individuals. A qualitative study was conducted in Ontario, Canada, using a semi-structured interview guide with (n=31) healthcare professionals. The interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis and intersectionality. The perceived influence of personal and professional identities on interactions with sex-trafficked individuals revealed three key themes: (1) Acknowledging the importance of identity. (2) Balancing personal and professional identities. (3) Leveraging identity. Conclusions : The study’s findings highlight the perceived role that personal and professional identities play in shaping interactions between healthcare providers and sex-trafficked individuals. Social identities are believed to influence these encounters due to the power dynamics inherent in both the roles and identities of the individuals involved. Recognizing the impact of social identity is key to creating inclusive, responsive care. This can be achieved by fostering greater self-awareness among healthcare providers and incorporating practices that promote more equitable and compassionate care.