Prior research has examined the high health care needs and vulnerabilities faced by survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), yet their perspectives are frequently absent. We sought to understand the narratives and views of individuals affected by CSE on their bodies, health, and motivations to seek health care treatment. Twenty-one girls and young women ages 15 to 19 years with self-identified histories of CSE participated in the study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: We measured pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes among girls with histories of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), and then quantified the associations between the outcome of pregnancy with: a) girls' exposure to childhood adversity, and b) their behavioral health. This is the largest study of pregnancy outcomes and associated factors among girls impacted by CSE in the United States.
Methods: We reviewed court files of participants in a juvenile specialty court for youth impacted by CSE, between 2012 and 2016.
Study Objective: Because of the high reproductive health risks that commercially sexually exploited youth (CSEY) face, we sought to understand facilitators and barriers related to their use of condoms and hormonal contraception. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We conducted semistructured interviews with 21 female CSEY. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for emergent themes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry
October 2018
Danielle Smith, a 16-year-old African-American girl newly detained at juvenile hall, presents for psychiatric evaluation. She describes a history of sexual abuse by her foster father and 2 years of commercial sexual exploitation after running away at 14 years of age. Scarcely more than 100 pounds, she endorses drug use, primarily marijuana, and notes prior use of cocaine and methamphetamine, provided by her trafficker (described as her "boyfriend").
View Article and Find Full Text PDF