Toward a Nuanced Understanding of Sex Trading and Provider Screening Practices from the Perspectives of Young People with Lived Experiences
Lara Gerassi, PhD, LCSW & Caro Cruys, MSW, LGSW | September 23 | 11:45 am-12:45 pm
Topic: Research | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Young people’s perspectives on sex trading contexts and terminology, as well as providers’ screening practices, are critically lacking. This community-based research study aimed to examine the contexts and conditions under which young people trade sex as well as the strategies used to screen for sex trafficking and sex trading, from the perspectives of young people with lived experiences. The presenters used a cross sectional survey of young people (ages 16-29) who had lived experiences of sex trading and/or homelessness. Quantitative and qualitative questions explored youths’ perceptions of: (1) sex trading type, compensation, and meaning; (2) recommended inclusive practices to increase youths’ comfort in disclosing sex trading; and (3) known sex trafficking indicators. Participants (N=103; Mage = 22.9 [SD = 3.5]; 34% white, 55% ciswomen/21% trans or gender expansive; 39% heterosexual) reported engaging in virtual and in-person sex acts with diverse compensation forms. Results suggest that “sex trading” signified multiple meanings, ranging from sex work/occupation to exploitation/trafficking. Youth indicated that they felt more comfortable disclosing if the provider indicated that they would advocate for them if they are victims of discrimination. Compared to cisgender youth, trans youth reported feeling significantly more comfortable disclosing sexual activity when a service provider presented or used gender/sexuality inclusive indicators. This study reveals new insights about the type of sex acts exchanged, forms of compensation, and meanings of language used to assess sex trading in research and practice. Providers must use inclusive practice strategies and sex trafficking indicators to ultimately reduce potential harm among youth who trade sex.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide a nuanced understanding of the sex trade and the practices used to assess sex trading from the perspectives of young people with lived experiences
· Describe recommendations for practitioners who encounter young people who trade sex (including those who are sex trafficked)