Children and Youth Services Review
Volume 82, 2017, Pages 392-399

Domestic minor sex trafficking among adjudicated male youth: prevalence and links to treatment (Article)

O'Brien J.E.* , Li W. , Givens A. , Leibowitz G.S.
  • a The University of New Hampshire, Department of Social Work, United States
  • b Rutgers University, School of Social Work, United States
  • c The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Social Work, United States
  • d Stony Brook University, School of Social Welfare, United States

Abstract

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the sexual exploitation of citizens (or lawful residents) of the United States, aged 18 or younger. DMST victims are diverse in age, race, and socioeconomic status, and are especially vulnerable. Most victims have a history of abuse and neglect, and many have had contact with the juvenile justice system. This exploratory study examines DMST prevalence, as well as potential risk factors for DMST involvement among a unique population of adjudicated male youth. Secondary data analysis was conducted with data collected from 800 adjudicated male youth using standardized measures including the Million Adolescent Clinical Inventory and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the relationships between the probability of DMST involvement and substance misuse, childhood sexual abuse, and levels of sexual discomfort. Results revealed that substance misuse and childhood sexual abuse were significantly positively associated with the probability of DMST victimization; however, sexual discomfort was significantly negatively associated with the probability of DMST victimization. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

male data analysis probability risk factor juvenile prevalence sexual abuse Article sex trafficking Childhood Trauma Questionnaire human exploratory research Adolescent Child

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042150087&doi=10.1016%2fj.childyouth.2017.09.026&partnerID=40&md5=76e933a1e9290e9df0b2d2d6fb88b7d7

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.09.026
ISSN: 01907409
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English