Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Volume 23, Issue 3, 2013, Pages 356-369

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: A Social Work Perspective on Misidentification, Victims, Buyers, Traffickers, Treatment, and Reform of Current Practice (Article)

Jordan J. , Patel B. , Rapp L.*
  • a School of Social Work, University of South Florida, 3301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33618, United States
  • b School of Social Work, University of South Florida, 3301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33618, United States
  • c School of Social Work, University of South Florida, 3301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33618, United States

Abstract

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) has been steadily on the rise in the United States, with estimates between 15,000 and 50,000 victims per year. Actual estimates of DMST victims are difficult to determine based on misidentification, conflicts between state and federal laws about age of consent and charges, perceptions of the victim, as well as lack of knowledge regarding the prevalence and dynamics of sex trafficking of minors. Oftentimes, child victims come from multi-problem homes and have already experienced abuse and neglect, which further complicates treatment and services. This article explores the emerging literature and defines the problem and identifies laws, statues, and definitions of the problem. It also reviews the literature on victim, buyer, and trafficker characteristics. Organized crime's role in this growing epidemic is explained as well as treatment options and recommendations for future social work practice at the micro-, mezzo-, and macro-levels. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Child abuse Minor sex trafficking Traffickers

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84875976088&doi=10.1080%2f10911359.2013.764198&partnerID=40&md5=d786ad5ba6f99859614f63f4783e8ad4
DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2013.764198
ISSN: 10911359
Cited by: 27
Original Language: English