# A public health community health worker-delivered intervention to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes in India: A protocol paper

## TL;DR

This study aims to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes in India using community health workers to provide support and resources.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is a community health worker-led public health intervention tailored for Denotified Tribes to combat human trafficking.

## Key findings

- Community health workers will deliver anti-trafficking advocacy and psychological first aid.
- The intervention aims to increase access to health, education, and government benefits for DNT communities.
- The study will evaluate the effectiveness of systemic approaches in reducing trafficking vulnerabilities.

## Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate an intervention designed to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in two regions of India. We will conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial utilizing a participatory-designed, community health worker (CHW)- delivered public health intervention. CHWs will be trained to conduct anti-human-trafficking advocacy and psychological first aid (humane, supportive and practical assistance to people who are distressed) to DNT community members, and mobilize resources to ensure access to health and mental health services, education, livelihoods, and government benefits. This project leverages known effective, systemic, and sustainable approaches to reducing vulnerabilities to trafficking among DNT communities, through increased economic alternatives, health and mental health services guided by the trafficking-survivor-informed treatment protocols.