Victims and Offenders
Volume 6, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 207-231

Exploited vulnerability: Legal and psychological perspectives on child sex trafficking victims (Article)

Reid J.A. , Jones S.
  • a University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MHC 1632, #12, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
  • b University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MHC 1632, #12, Tampa, FL 33612, United States

Abstract

While the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 and subsequent reauthorizations defined all minors under the age of 18 involved in commercial sex acts as victims, state and local systems continue to classify prostituted minors who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as offenders. A review of the historical, neurological, and developmental vulnerabilities typical of child sex trafficking victims reveals serious doubts regarding their ability to control their choices or escape from a trafficker. The uniform shielding of all child victims of sex trafficking, whether international or domestic, from legal culpability for the criminal conduct of traffickers is recommended. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Trauma bonding Prostituted minors child sexual exploitation Child sex trafficking

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79953843928&doi=10.1080%2f15564886.2011.557327&partnerID=40&md5=b14da8e0a14e77de0a062b61202f7e9f
DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2011.557327
ISSN: 15564886
Cited by: 37
Original Language: English