ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Sex trafficking isn’t “somewhere else.” It’s here.
In this episode, I’m joined by Detective Heidi Chance (retired Phoenix Police Department, 25 years—14 years undercover in sex trafficking) to break down what nurses, parents, and communities are missing in real time.
We start with a very real ER scenario—an “intoxicated female” who keeps saying “I was raped”—and why bias and speed can cause clinicians to miss life-changing evidence. Heidi walks us through how traffickers and “handlers” operate, what victims can look like in healthcare settings, and the red flags nurses can’t miss.
In this episode, we cover:
- ER red flags: controlling companion/handler, multiple phones, unusual attire, agitation when security/law enforcement is mentioned
- How to get the patient alone (yes—use a “test” excuse if you have to)
- Why protecting a patient’s belongings/phone matters (evidence + control)
- What to document when a victim won’t disclose (and why it can matter later)
- Sextortion: how predators target kids online and what parents need to say out loud
- Actionable resources and what to do next
Guest: Det. Heidi Chance
Website: https://www.achanceforawareness.com
Instagram: @a_chance_for_awareness
Book: Talk To Them (English + Spanish) — available on Amazon (search: “Talk To Them Heidi Chance”)
Arizona Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-877-4-AZTIPS (1-877-373-7888)
(If you suspect someone needs help, share the hotline—even if they aren’t ready to disclose in the moment.)
Go to NursesOutLoud substack for article.
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