Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse, Exploitation, and Trafficking of Boys
Ena Lucia Mariaca, MA & Andrés Eduardo Buenaventura, MA | September 22 | 10:15-11:15 am
Topic: Research | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Boys subject to intrafamilial child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) through trafficking face many barriers in disclosing their exploitation, often leaving victims and survivors dismissed or mishandled by service providers and society (Palfy, 2016; Smiragina, 2015). This study explores the vulnerabilities of male victims of intrafamilial CSEA, the unique characteristics of intrafamilial abuse, exploitation through trafficking, and the barriers to disclosure and recover by victims and survivors. Ten adult male survivors were interviewed multiple times to gain a deeper understanding of intrafamilial CSEA and how it compares and contrasts with non-familial CSEA. Multiple semi-structured online interviews were conducted with the 10 adult male survivors because they experienced 1) intrafamilial child sexual abuse and 2) the progression of intrafamilial child sexual abuse into intrafamilial child trafficking for sexual exploitation. The research team (Ena Lucia Mariaca, Andres Buenaventura, and Dr. Glenn Miles) explored the internal and external barriers to disclosure that boys encountered, particularly in familial settings, and employed a co-productive approach with the participants. Findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed practices for identifying and rehabilitating victims and survivors. Participants reported receiving effective assistance from service providers (law enforcement, medical, and mental health professionals) that exhibited trauma-informed practices. Recommendations include the need for service providers to receive training on 1) trauma-informed, person-centered practices and 2) how to avoid being influenced by traditional gender biases that largely overlook male victimization and female criminality in child sexual abuse and trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Give an overview of research conducted on male survivors of familial trafficking
· Provide a deeper understanding of the male experience in child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking done by family members
· Offer recommendations for frontline service providers who may come in contact with a male victim or survivor of child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking