PEARR Tool
Definition
A structured framework for healthcare encounters with possible trafficking victims: Provide privacy, Educate about available services, Ask questions in a trauma-informed way, Respect and respond to the patient's decisions, and Refer to appropriate resources. Developed by HEAL Trafficking.
- Full name
- Provide, Educate, Ask, Respect and respond, Refer
- Domain
- Healthcare encounters with possible trafficking victims
- Developer
- HEAL Trafficking
- Approach
- Trauma-informed questioning
Common questions
Why does PEARR emphasise privacy before any questioning begins?+
A trafficking victim may be accompanied by their trafficker or fear retaliation for disclosure, so ensuring a private setting is a precondition for any subsequent step: without it, honest disclosure during the Ask stage is unlikely and could put the patient at risk.
How does PEARR's 'Respect and respond' step differ from simply offering help?+
It requires accepting the patient's stated decision, including a decision not to disclose or not to accept referral, rather than pressuring them toward a particular outcome, because premature pressure can damage trust and reduce the chance the patient seeks help later.
Related terms
- Human Trafficking
- The recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or receipt of persons by force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Defined in the UN...
- Labour Trafficking
- Compelled labour or services through force, fraud, or coercion. Sectors include agriculture, domestic work, construction, garment factories, and restaurant and hotel industries....
- National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
- The UK government framework for identifying victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive appropriate support. Healthcare workers are designated first responders...
- Sex Trafficking
- Recruitment, harbouring, or obtaining a person for a commercial sex act by force, fraud, or coercion, or where the victim is a...
- Trauma Bonding
- A psychological attachment formed under conditions of intermittent reinforcement (abuse alternating with care), captivity, and dependency. Creates loyalty or protective feelings toward...