Journal of School Nursing
Volume 28, Issue 6, 2012, Pages 410-417

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and the School Nurse (Article)

Grace L.G. , Starck M. , Potenza J. , Kenney P.A. , Sheetz A.H.
  • a My Life My Choice, a Program of the Justice Resource Institute, Boston, MA, United States
  • b Health/Medical Services, Boston Public Schools, Boston, MA, United States
  • c Health/Medical Services, Boston Public Schools, Boston, MA, United States
  • d Health/Medical Services, Boston Public Schools, Boston, MA, United States
  • e School Health Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

As trusted health professionals in the school setting, school nurses are well positioned to identify students who may be victims of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). However, until recently this issue has been clouded by lack of awareness, stigma, and/or denial. Since nationally the average age of entry for girls into the commercial sex industry (specifically prostitution) is 12-15 years old, many of these young people continue to attend school although attendance may be sporadic. Additional continuing education is needed to increase school nurses' awareness that these young victims might be in their practices, whether they are located in urban, rural, or suburban communities. As primary sources of health care for children throughout the United States, school nurses have a pivotal role in helping an exploited girl move beyond invisibility to a path of safety and support-and a new life. © The Author(s) 2012.

Author Keywords

safety/injury prevention family life/sexuality Abuse violence

Index Keywords

education Child Abuse, Sexual methodology Massachusetts human school health nursing School Nursing Adolescent Health Services United States Humans School Health Services Adolescent school health service evidence based nursing case report female prostitution child sexual abuse Article Evidence-Based Nursing child health care Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84868672550&doi=10.1177%2f1059840512448402&partnerID=40&md5=cf495ef0f94b611a1e037ab95e3c27db
DOI: 10.1177/1059840512448402
ISSN: 10598405
Cited by: 21
Original Language: English