Family-facilitated juvenile sex trafficking

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the understudied characteristics and dynamics of family-facilitated juvenile sex trafficking (FF-JST). Drawing from case records of juvenile sex trafficking (JST) victims in Florida, the current study examined child maltreatment histories, perpetrator–victim relationship patterns, trafficker motivations, and exploitive strategies observed in cases involving FF-JST. Demographics, JST risk factors, and child maltreatment histories reported in 19 FF-JST cases were compared with 43 JST cases involving nonrelative traffickers. Examination and comparison of the two subsets of JST cases revealed unique characteristics and dynamics operating in FF-JST including extensive maltreatment histories involving multiple types of child maltreatment. Review of these cases also exposed specific complexities that obstruct detection of family-facilitated exploitation and hinder victim recovery.

Keywords::

• sex trafficking
• child maltreatment
• commercial sexual exploitation

Additional information

Funding

This research project was supported by the American Psychology-Law Society Early Career Professional Grant.

Notes on contributors

Joan A. Reid

Joan A. Reid is an Assistant Professor in Criminology at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Her research concerns include human trafficking, sexual violence, victimology, and treatment of crime victims. Her recent research has appeared in Crime & Delinquency, Child Maltreatment, and Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment.

Juliana Huard

Juliana Huard is a doctoral student and research assistant in the School of Criminology and Justice Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where she earned her Master's degree in Criminal Justice in addition to two graduate certificates (Forensic Criminology and Domestic Violence Prevention) in 2013. Her research interests include police and prosecutorial decision-making in sexual assault cases, juvenile sex trafficking, and domestic violence risk assessment.

Rachael A. Haskell

Rachael A. Haskell earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of South Florida and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience as a therapist and educator. She is an Associate Professor at Saint Leo University. Her research interests include evidence-based treatment of trauma survivors, disability awareness and cultural competence, and human trafficking.