A Comprehensive Group Approach for Commercially Sexually Exploited Girls

Abstract

Project Girls Owning Their Lives and Dreams (GOLD) is a comprehensive group counseling program providing psychoeducational, growth, support, and counseling groups to adolescent victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Groups were facilitated by staff and community volunteers. Online surveys were administered to participants to gain their perceptions of the groups. Participants were generally satisfied with the groups and reported themes of bonding with peers, learning new skills, empowerment, and stress relief. Considerations for group work with this population are provided.

Keywords:

• commercial sexual exploitation
• life skills groups
• mentoring
• sexual victimization
• group programming

Notes

¹ “The life” is a common term used to describe the experience of being commercially sexually exploited. Victims will refer to themselves as “being in the life.”

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by FY 14 Mentoring for Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Sex Trafficking Initiative from the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.