
VEST®: Violence and Exploitation Screening Tool
VEST®: Violence and Exploitation Screening Tool
The VEST® is designed to assess commercial sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, teen dating violence, and high-risk behaviors in youth 12 years and older.
The screening tool is designed to be implemented via tablet to increase the identification of trafficked and high-risk youth. Due to multiple barriers, many youths do not self-identify, and with the current lack of education, healthcare providers are unaware of exploitation and trafficking presentation. Identification through screening assessment is necessary to provide adequate medical and mental health services, reduce repeat victimization, and appropriate long-term service provision for the burden of injury caused by sex and labor trafficking. The use of the screening tool can also serve to assist healthcare systems in improving healthcare outcomes and associated healthcare costs. In addition, the information gathered can be used as empirical evidence that can inform internal and external policy and advocacy efforts in addressing exploitation.
The screening tool is designed to be implemented via tablet to increase the identification of trafficked and high-risk youth. Due to multiple barriers, many youths do not self-identify, and with the current lack of education, healthcare providers are unaware of exploitation and trafficking presentation. Identification through screening assessment is necessary to provide adequate medical and mental health services, reduce repeat victimization, and appropriate long-term service provision for the burden of injury caused by sex and labor trafficking. The use of the screening tool can also serve to assist healthcare systems in improving healthcare outcomes and associated healthcare costs. In addition, the information gathered can be used as empirical evidence that can inform internal and external policy and advocacy efforts in addressing exploitation.

