A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Analysis about Elopement from Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST)
Rosario V. Sanchez, PhD, MSN & Patricia M. Speck, DNSc, CRNP, FNP-BC | September 23 | 3:15-4:15 pm
Topic: Research, Healthcare | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) is the fastest growing crime in the United States (Country-Roswurm & Bolin, 2014). Vulnerable adolescents are primary targets of sex traffickers (Fedina, 2019). DMST delays adolescent development following their treatment during and environmental conditions while in the life (Busch-Armendariz et al. 2014; Hopper, 2017; Le, 2017). The research question for this study was, “What is the elopement process of adult survivors of sex trafficking during adolescence?” The multiple qualitative case study design employed semi-structured interviews, participant observations, participants’ voluntary elicited text, and member check. The thematic analysis within the cases and across the cases identified the major theme “Out of the War.” Two related themes were “The War” and “Conquering the War.” This qualitative study reveals elopement decisions are fraught with barriers to elope and seeking safety. The research uncovered a non-linear process that affects their development, as yet described in the conceptual models: The War MAZE© and Conquering the War MAZE©. These new insights help healthcare providers identify readiness to elope and elopement victory by recognizing the adolescent’s barriers to elopement. The results explain DMST elopement from a developmental perspective by analyzing qualitative data from survivor voices, which supports gender equity and empowerment of women. The findings inform healthcare providers in planning inclusive trauma-informed care approaches and unbiased research designed to safeguard DMST survivors during their recovery processes.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of the study, research question, methodology, and findings
· Introduce a new, non-linear elopement process from DMST
· Describe the implementation of trauma-informed care approach and trauma-focused interventions based on the research for healthcare providers