title: Human trafficking: crime in our own backyard.
abstract: Imagine for a moment being in a small, cold, dark, and dirty room. You haven't seen your family in months and you're not sure if you ever will again. When the drugs that you've given begin to wear off, you feel hunger pangs because you haven't eaten anything in more hours than you can count. You hear a door opening and are filled with paralyzing fear and dread. You are never quite sure who or what will greet you on the other side of that door. You may have to endure a brutal beating, you may be forced to take drugs, or you may be raped.
authors.affiliation: Melissa S. McNulty is a nursing professor at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Fla.
authors.forename: Melissa S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: McNulty
mesh_terms: D019548:Crime Victims; D064410:Human Trafficking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010808:Physical Examination; D014481:United States