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Nichols AJ, Gerassi LB, Gilbert K, Taylor E. Provider challenges in responding to retrafficking of juvenile justice-involved domestic minor sex trafficking survivors. Child Abuse Negl 2022; 126:105521. [PMID: 35121439 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) survivors are disproportionately involved in the juvenile justice system, but frequently run away and experience retrafficking. However, little research explores how practitioners who work with juvenile justice-involved DMST survivors address such dynamics. OBJECTIVE This study examines challenges related to chronic runaway behaviors and related retrafficking of juvenile justice-involved DMST survivors from the perspective of practitioners. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 35 in-depth interviews were conducted with social service and justice system practitioners working with DMST survivors in a Midwestern metropolitan area. METHODS Inductive analysis of the transcribed interviews involved a multi-phase, independent co-coding process conducted by three members of the research team, including selective coding, open coding, and taxonomic analysis to identify recurring themes and subthemes. Core themes that focused on challenges experienced by practitioners working with minors who chronically ran away and returned to a trafficking situation were further developed. RESULTS Practitioners reported that their ability to provide care to minors returning to trafficking situations was limited because of their informal authority in the juvenile justice system, inaccessibility of residential therapeutic care and drug treatment, and punitive measures directed toward parents seeking assistance from Children's Division. Provider narratives indicated that without effective interventions, minors typically exit a retrafficking situation only after experiencing emotional distress, extreme violence, pregnancy or birth, or contracting an STI. CONCLUSIONS Non-punitive responses to address chronic runaway behaviors and retrafficking of minors in the justice system include: placement with foster families trained in dynamics of sex trafficking, trauma, and runaway behaviors; safety planning including risk assessments and providing resource information about drop in centers and healthcare; revising hotlining procedures for concerned parents; and increasing minors' access to trauma-informed residential care, therapeutic care, and substance use treatment by legislatively expanding healthcare coverage under Safe Harbor laws.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Nichols
- Brown School of Social Work, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies Department, Washington University in St. Louis, 212 McMillan Hall, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States of America.
| | - Lara B Gerassi
- Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Research, School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1350 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States of America.
| | - Kourtney Gilbert
- Social Policy Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States of America.
| | - Emily Taylor
- The Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan, 1100 Victors Way, #10, Ann Arbor, MI 48108-5220, United States of America
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Fitzgerald M, Owens T, Moore J, Goldberg A, Lowenhaupt E, Barron C. Development of a Multi-Session Curriculum Addressing Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking for High-Risk Male Youth. J Child Sex Abus 2021; 30:667-683. [PMID: 34296663 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1937427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Males, in particular adolescents and young adults, have been increasingly recognized as involved in domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). However, there are very sparse resources and organizations that provide prevention, identification, and interventions for boys and young men who are involved in or at-risk for DMST involvement. The objective was to develop and assess an educational curriculum to prevent adolescent male involvement in DMST through a three-pronged educational approach: as victims of sexual exploitation; receiving financial benefit as exploiters; as buyers of sex. Through quality improvement cycles, changes were made to enhance the curriculum by utilizing the outcome measures of participant questionnaires and feedback from a steering committee of clinical experts. Male youth at the state's juvenile detention center were asked to participate in pilot groups, as they were identified as a high-risk population of adolescents to become involved. The curriculum was modified by adding sessions, including additional community guest speakers, and providing a more holistic educational experience that involves trafficking prevention from both a victimization and perpetration standpoint. Our goal is to expand this educational opportunity to be utilized in multiple settings (e.g., schools, hospitals) across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Owens
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| | - Jessica Moore
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Amy Goldberg
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lowenhaupt
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christine Barron
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Gonzalez-Pons KM, Gezinski L, Morzenti H, Hendrix E, Graves S. Exploring the relationship between domestic minor sex trafficking myths, victim identification, and service provision. Child Abuse Negl 2020; 100:104093. [PMID: 31466861 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onus of sex trafficking victim identification currently falls to professionals in youth-serving organizations. Accurate identification of domestic minor sex trafficking victims (DMST) and subsequent delivery of services can be impeded by common myths related to human trafficking. OBJECTIVE Determine if human service professionals understand the difference between myths and facts pertaining to sex trafficking and if their knowledge affects subsequent service provision. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Professionals (n = 69) represented youth-serving organizations from a large metropolitan city in the Southwestern United States. METHODS Data was collected in a cross-sectional survey from March 2016 to April 2016. RESULTS A minority of professionals working in youth-serving organizations believed DMST myths, though administrators most commonly believed the myth that force, fraud, or coercion are required in DMST. Most professionals could not provide an accurate number of victims identified and felt their organizations would benefit from further training. A statistically significant relationship (p < .05) was observed between the belief that "elements of physical force, restraint, bondage, and/or violence" must be present in DMST and participants' ability to identify victims served by their organizations in a given year. Organizations reported that they failed to provide services requested by DMST victims. CONCLUSIONS The persistence of DMST myths likely hampers victim identification and tailored service delivery. Cross-sector collaborations are needed to ensure victims' needs are met. Trainings are needed that cover the legal definitions of domestic minor sex trafficking and victim identification and train on accurate identifiers. Training initiatives should include survivors to ensure practices are trauma-informed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanna Morzenti
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, United States
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Williamson E, O'Brien J, Jones L, Mitchell K, Dunford L. Featured counter-trafficking program: Love146. Child Abuse Negl 2020; 100:104131. [PMID: 31466859 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This invited article is one of several comprising part of a special issue of Child Abuse and Neglect focused on child trafficking and health. The purpose of each invited article is to describe a specific program serving trafficked children. Featuring these programs is intended to raise awareness of innovative counter-trafficking strategies emerging worldwide and facilitate collaboration on program development and outcomes research. This article describes Love146, an international human rights organization based in the United States and dedicated to ending child sex trafficking and exploitation. Love146's work began in Southeast Asia and later expanded to the United Kingdom, Liberia and Madagascar. In the United States, Love146's Survivor Care Program serves as Connecticut's primary provider of specialized services for survivors of DMST. The purpose of the current paper is to detail the successes, challenges, and lessons learned by Love146 in facilitating U.S. survivor access to services that can improve medical and mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer O'Brien
- Department of Social Work, The University of New Hampshire, United States; Crimes against Children Research Center, The University of New Hampshire, United States.
| | - Lisa Jones
- Crimes against Children Research Center, The University of New Hampshire, United States
| | - Kimberly Mitchell
- Crimes against Children Research Center, The University of New Hampshire, United States
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Rothman EF, Preis SR, Bright K, Paruk J, Bair-Merritt M, Farrell A. A longitudinal evaluation of a survivor-mentor program for child survivors of sex trafficking in the United States. Child Abuse Negl 2020; 100:104083. [PMID: 31358352 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children is a significant public health and criminal justice problem, but there are few evaluated models of CSE mentorship service. OBJECTIVES To assess whether youth who participated in a CSE survivor-mentor program evidenced changes in CSE victimization, dating abuse victimization, health, delinquency, social support, and coping during the year following their enrollment in the program. PARTICIPANTS 41 youth who were CSE-experienced at baseline (72%) or determined very high risk, 11-18 years old, 95% female, 58% heterosexual, 29% White, 29% Hispanic, and 42% other races/ethnicities. SETTING An urban city in the Northeast United States. METHODS We used a one-group repeated measures design and a GEE analysis. Data were collected at baseline, six months after baseline (71% follow-up) and 12 months after baseline (68% follow-up). RESULTS At baseline 72% could be characterized as CSE-experienced, while at 6 months the percentage decreased to 24% (p < 0.001) and at 12 months to 14% (p < 0.001). After 6 months of receiving survivor-mentor services, youth were less likely to have experienced CSE, engaged in sexually explicit behavior (SEB), used illicit drugs, engaged in delinquent behavior, been arrested or detained by police, and they had better social support and coping skills. After 12 months, youth were less likely to have experienced CSE, to have engaged in delinquent behavior, be arrested or detained by police, and had improved coping skills. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate that youth who received survivor-mentor services from MLMC experienced improved well-being and less drug use, delinquent behavior, and exploitation.
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Moore JL, Houck C, Barron CE, Goldberg AP. Patients Referred for Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: A Comparison of Confirmed and Suspected Youth. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2019; 32:628-632. [PMID: 31195098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare characteristics of patients with confirmatory evidence (eg, disclosure, found by law enforcement) of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) involvement with those without confirmatory evidence but who were suspected of involvement. DESIGN A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients referred for DMST involvement. Confirmed DMST patients were compared with suspected patients with regard to demographic, psychosocial, medical, and psychiatric variables. SETTING A child protection program at a children's hospital where patients are evaluated by child abuse pediatricians in outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient settings. PARTICIPANTS Patients 11-17 years old referred for concern of DMST involvement between August 1, 2013 and July 1, 2016 were included. Patients self-disclosed, had reported with evidence, and/or had histories that placed them at high risk for DMST involvement. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We collected data on demographic, psychosocial, medical, and psychiatric variables from the medical records of patients referred for evaluation. RESULTS A total of 67 patients were included. No statistically significant differences were identified between the confirmed and suspected groups. CONCLUSION Our preliminary data showed that confirmed and suspected patients presented with similar and high rates of concerning medical and psychosocial issues; therefore, medical providers should evaluate and treat all patients referred for DMST. Similar treatment includes referrals for psychological/substance abuse interventions, safety planning, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
| | - Christopher Houck
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Christine E Barron
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Amy P Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Fedina L, Perdue T, Bright CL, Williamson C. An Ecological Analysis of Risk Factors for Runaway Behavior among Individuals Exposed to Commercial Sexual Exploitation. J Child Adolesc Trauma 2019; 12:221-231. [PMID: 32318194 PMCID: PMC7163838 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-018-0229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Running away from home is a known risk factor for commercial sexual exploitation among youth; however, research has not fully investigated the process by which multiple factors at individual, familial, and extra-familial levels increase youths' risk for runaway behavior. This study applies an ecological risk factor framework to assess risk for runaway behavior among individuals exposed to commercial sexual exploitation and examines mediating relationships between salient risk factors (i.e. substance abuse, insufficient basic needs, having a much older boyfriend/girlfriend) and runaway behavior. A cross-sectional, retrospective survey was administered to individuals involved in the commercial sex industry using Respondent Driven Sampling methods (N = 273). Bivariate results suggested associations between runaway behavior and childhood emotional and physical abuse, having friends who sold sex, having a much older boyfriend/girlfriend, dropping out of school, being worried about where to eat/sleep, homelessness, and frequent alcohol and drug use prior to entering the commercial sex industry. Hierarchical logistic regression revealed that individuals with runaway behavior histories were more likely to have frequently used alcohol and/or drugs and to have insufficient basic needs compared to those did not run away; however, these factors were no longer significant after accounting for having a much older boyfriend/girlfriend. Having an older boyfriend/girlfriend fully mediated the relationship between frequent alcohol and/or drug use and runaway behavior. Findings support the need for community and school-based prevention programs that target these risk factors with a specific focus on healthy dating relationships, which may reduce risk for runaway behavior and subsequent commercial sexual exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Fedina
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Tasha Perdue
- School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | | | - Celia Williamson
- Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Legal Specialties, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH USA
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O'Brien JE. "Sometimes, Somebody Just Needs Somebody - Anybody - to Care:" The power of interpersonal relationships in the lives of domestic minor sex trafficking survivors. Child Abuse Negl 2018; 81:1-11. [PMID: 29689316 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of U.S. minors for the purposes of a commercial sex act. DMST victims and survivors often become involved with state-level systems including the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems. This study presents exploratory qualitative findings regarding the role of interpersonal relationships in the lives of system-involved DMST survivors from the perspectives of DMST survivors. Results indicate survivors perceive interpersonal relationships as key to promoting risk, providing protection, and fostering resiliency over DMST. Findings from the current study not only provide a context for understanding the role of interpersonal relationships in the lives of DMST survivors but also point to directions for development of interventions targeted toward this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E O'Brien
- Department of Social Work, The University of New Hampshire, Pettee Hall, Durham, NH 03824, United States.
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Goldberg AP, Moore JL, Houck C, Kaplan DM, Barron CE. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Medical Presentation. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2017; 30:109-115. [PMID: 27575407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical characteristics of patients referred for domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) to improve identification and intervention. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING The Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr Child Protection Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital where patients are evaluated by child abuse pediatricians in outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient settings. PARTICIPANTS A total of 41 patients younger than the age of 18 years referred for the evaluation of DMST involvement between August 1, 2013 and March 30, 2015. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We collected demographic, social-environmental, medical, and psychiatric variables from the medical records of patients referred for evaluation who have self-disclosed, been reported with evidence, and/or have histories that place them at high risk for DMST involvement. RESULTS Children had frequent contact with medical providers, with 81% seen in the year before referral for DMST. Childhood maltreatment and family dysfunction were identified (sexual abuse, 21/37 or 57%; parental substance abuse, 22/37 or 60%) in the 41 patients. Children had medical problems (eg, sexually transmitted infection, 13/41 or 32%), psychiatric needs (eg, acute suicidality, 8/41 or 20%; at least 1 previous psychiatric admission, 19/41 or 46%), and substance use (36/41 or 88%). Although 26/41 (63%) had runaway and 17/41 (42%) lived in a group home placement, 28/41 (68%) currently lived at home and 29/41 (71%) presented with a parent/guardian or relative. CONCLUSION Children referred for DMST present frequently to physicians and have complex medical and psychiatric needs. Medical providers' increased awareness of this health issue would inform victim identification and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
| | | | - Christopher Houck
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Dana M Kaplan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Christine E Barron
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
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Hornor G. Domestic minor sex trafficking: what the PNP needs to know. J Pediatr Health Care 2015; 29:88-94; quiz 95-6. [PMID: 25497135 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human trafficking is a major global public health problem and represents a substantial human rights violation. Human trafficking has been receiving attention in both the lay media and professional literature. Human trafficking can include commercial sex, forced labor, child soldiers, and stealing of human organs. One form of human trafficking represents a significant American pediatric health problem: domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). DMST is the commercial sexual abuse of children by selling, buying, or trading their sexual service. This continuing education article will define DMST and discuss it in terms of prevalence, risk factors, and practice implications for the pediatric nurse practitioner.
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