Medicolegal approach to skin lesions in trafficking victims: A case report

• Published in: Forensic science international 2023-01, Vol.342, p.111535, Article 111535
• Main Authors: Santovito, D., Capello, F., Bonci, C., Di Vella, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Anthropomorphism; Case reports; Children & youth; Ethics; Exploitation; Families & family life; Forensic medicine; Forensic science; Forensic sciences; Human beings; Human rights; Human trafficking; Identification documents; Lesions; Medical ethics; Public health; Rape; Right to health; Scarification; Skin; Skin diseases; Skin lesions; Torture; Trafficking victims; Violence
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111535

Trafficking in human beings is an ancient phenomenon. The fight against trafficking in human beings is conceived as a priority by the European Union. Trafficked victims experience many types of abuse and neglect. Indeed, all human beings hold the right to have an identity and an estimated age as an assertion of their existence in the society, as expressly stated in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Italy has been the scene of this phenomenon for many years. Since identification represents a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for any other measure of assistance and protection, the Italian procedure provides the execution of an interview and a forensic examination. This process takes time and requires willingness to listen and to create a trusting doctor-patient relationship. Although skin lesions in trafficking victims may be due to torture or other forms of mistreatment or abuse, they may also be related to ethnic practices. Here we demonstrate the importance of conducting a structured interview along with an accurate forensic examination to correctly discriminate the origin of skin lesions in trafficking victims. •Primary care providers must identify and assist victims of human trafficking.•Skin alterations may be due to torture as well as medicinal or cultural purposes.•It is recommended to build a trusting relationship with the trafficked victim.•A compassionate and non-judgmental medical approach is of primary importance.•It is advised to gain insight into the culture of the victim’s native Country.