PEARR Tool: Trauma-Informed Approach to Victim Assistance in Healthcare Settings
The PEARR Tool—Provide privacy, Educate, Ask, Respect, Respond—guides healthcare providers in assessing trafficking with a trauma-informed, patient-centered approach.
PEARR Tool: Trauma-Informed Approach to Victim Assistance in Healthcare Settings
The PEARR Tool—Provide privacy, Educate, Ask, Respect, Respond—guides healthcare providers in assessing trafficking with a trauma-informed, patient-centered approach.
What is the PEARR Tool?
The PEARR Tool—Provide Privacy, Educate, Ask, Respect, and Respond—is a structured, trauma-informed conversation guide designed to help healthcare professionals recognize and respond to human trafficking and other forms of violence. Developed collaboratively by CommonSpirit Health, HEAL Trafficking, and the Pacific Survivor Center, this resource supports compassionate, patient-centered care and can be adapted for use across diverse settings.
What's Included?
- Streamlined guidance for practical use in fast-paced clinical environments
- Updated trauma-informed language that prioritizes survivor agency and autonomy
- PEARR Quick Guide for on-the-go reference, including sample conversation scripts
- Expanded guidance on recognizing subtle indicators of abuse and violence
- Flexible, non-linear approach—PEARR steps can be adapted to fit patient needs and clinical flow
Why Use the PEARR Tool?
Individuals impacted by trafficking rarely disclose experiences directly. The PEARR Tool equips providers with a trauma-informed framework to create safe environments, build trust, and offer support without relying on a checklist. It’s not a screening tool—it’s a conversation guide that centers dignity and choice.
What Next?
Explore these complementary resources to enhance your use of the PEARR Tool:
- PEARR Tool (Spanish)
- Printable PEARR Tool Quick Reference Badge Card
- HEALing Labor Trafficking: Case Studies & Best Practices
- Contact the HEAL Speakers' Bureau to arrange a tailored training session on the PEARR Tool and Trauma-Informed Care for your organization
Copyright Information
This resource is a collaboration between CommonSpirit Health, HEAL Trafficking, and Pacific Survivor Center, and it is protected by copyright. You're welcome to share it within your organization. Just be sure to give proper credit to both HEAL and our partners. For any republishing, commercial use, or distribution beyond your organization, please contact us for permissions.
Questions or Feedback?
For questions or feedback, contact us at info@healtrafficking.org or use our contact form.
Access the PEARR Tool
To access the PEARR Tool, please fill out the request form below. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation message with a download link.
