Pediatrics
Volume 135, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 566-574

Child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation: Health care needs of victims (Article) (Open Access)

Greenbaum J. , Crawford-Jakubiak J.E. , Christian C.W. , Flaherty E.G. , Leventhal J.M. , Lukefahr J.L. , Sege R.D. , MacMillan H. , Nolan C.M. , Valley L.A. , Hurley T.P.
  • a [Affiliation not available]
  • b [Affiliation not available]
  • c [Affiliation not available]
  • d [Affiliation not available]
  • e [Affiliation not available]
  • f [Affiliation not available]
  • g [Affiliation not available]
  • h American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, United States
  • i Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, United States
  • j Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States
  • k [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

Child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) are major public health problems in the United States and throughout the world. Despite large numbers of American and foreign youth affected and a plethora of serious physical and mental health problems associated with CSEC, there is limited information available to pediatricians regarding the nature and scope of human trafficking and how pediatricians and other health care providers may help protect children. Knowledge of risk factors, recruitment practices, possible indicators of CSEC, and common medical and behavioral health problems experienced by victims will help pediatricians recognize potential victims and respond appropriately. As health care providers, educators, and leaders in child advocacy, pediatricians play an essential role in addressing the public health issues faced by child victims of CSEC. Their roles can include working to increase recognition of CSEC, providing direct care and anticipatory guidance related to CSEC, engaging in collaborative efforts with medical and nonmedical colleagues to provide for the complex needs of youth, and educating child-serving professionals and the public. Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Child Abuse, Sexual health care planning sexual behavior health care personnel human sex difference statistics and numerical data health service priority journal Health Services Needs and Demand sex trafficking health educator United States Humans risk factor sexual exploitation prostitution child sexual abuse prevalence human trafficking Article legislation and jurisprudence health care organization attitude to sexuality child advocacy practice guideline public health health care need child care documentation Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84924294410&doi=10.1542%2fpeds.2014-4138&partnerID=40&md5=71b38014ed6d40fec4034acf2e4a6082
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-4138
ISSN: 00314005
Cited by: 75
Original Language: English