The Epidemic Domestic Sex Trafficking of Girls: Awareness and Prevention

Abstract

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) of girls is a global epidemic requiring awareness and attention. Studies from a spectrum of human trafficking subtopics: human rights, sex trafficking, its predominance in girls and women, DMST, geography, policies, stigma, ambiguity of terminology, and vulnerable populations, connected and examined the issue from a global perspective on women and gender to its manifestation in the United States and New York State. Participants in the studies included juveniles, representatives of non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, and public officials. Measurements of risk in minors and girls, results of at-risk minors’ participation in psychoeducational groups, and attitudes of first responders, social workers, and policy makers assisted conclusions and implications of this research. The findings demonstrate that stigma associated with DMST perpetuates the problem, young girls are particularly vulnerable to DMST, social construction that sexualizes girls and gender disparity in treatment of victims heightens their risk, demand fuels exploitation of girls, and laws contradict solutions. DMST can be prevented and victims rehabilitated through research, education, language and attitude.