Life Histories of Adults Initiated into Commercial Sexual Exploitation From Birth Through Preadolescence
Sarah M. Godoy, MSW; Christine Bellatorre, MAICS; Angela Calliope; Jasmine Myers, MSSA & Amy Engle, LMFT | September 19 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Research, Experience | Knowledge Level: Beginner
The dearth of available information on early onset commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is a serious knowledge gap. This study sought to identify common patterns and variations in the life histories of adults who experienced CSE prior to the age 11. A community-based participatory research approach was used to conduct interviews at two and three timepoints with 10 adults whose CSE began below age 11. Most participants (n = 8) identified as cis women (Mage = 38). The average age of CSE onset was 4.78 years. Primary traffickers were biological family, step/adoptive caregivers, daycare provider, and a neighbor. Reflective thematic analysis was used to identify six themes: (1) Stolen identities and isolated childhoods; (2) Hidden lives amid severe, chronic abuse; (3) Indifferent to bad to worse family dynamics; (4) Structural oppression: Churches, cults, and patriarchy; (5) Surviving complex trauma; and (6) In the pursuit of justice. Surviving chaotic and unpredictable childhoods that included caregivers’ severe mental illness and chronic abuse resulted in a range of cognitive, somatic, and behavioral responses, such as dissociation and self-injurious behaviors. Although participants were not offered services after exiting CSE and traffickers were never prosecuted, they displayed a strong commitment to help prevent and stop future child exploitation. This is the first study to center the experiences of adults initiated into CSE at very young ages and to use a community-engaged approach to do so. Implications for research, policy, and practice will be discussed.
Presentation Objectives:
• Describe pathways into CSE that were initiated at very young ages by trusted adults
• Explore differences in CSE pathways and life course development as compared to those initiated into exploitation during adolescence
• Evaluate gaps in current prevention and intervention strategies in the anti-trafficking field
• Consider policies and programs that could better support those who experience early onset CSE