Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Medical Presentation

Hot Off the Press: SGEM #237. Screening Tool for Child Sex Trafficking

“…Victims of CST are at risk for a myriad of health‐related consequences, including physical injury; chronic pain; sexually transmitted infection (STIs); substance use disorders; and psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, depression, and suicide . Most of these victims seek medical attention at some point, with 88% having seen a physician during their exploitation…”

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: Guidance for Communicating With Patients

“…Potential indicators linked to DMST involvement are described in existing literature, such as runaway behaviors, substance use and/or abuse, dysfunctional home environments, and histories of child sexual abuse. 1,2 Moreover, victimization is associated with health consequences, such as recurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, and untreated chronic medical conditions. 1,2 In an effort to enhance prevention and identification, researchers have attempted to develop screening tools; however, there are limitations, such as small sample sizes, a lack of generalizability (eg, single geographic area), and no current valid and reliable tools.…”

“…1,2 Moreover, victimization is associated with health consequences, such as recurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, and untreated chronic medical conditions. 1,2 In an effort to enhance prevention and identification, researchers have attempted to develop screening tools; however, there are limitations, such as small sample sizes, a lack of generalizability (eg, single geographic area), and no current valid and reliable tools. 3 A separate list of screening questions specifically for DMST may be seen by providers as time consuming, irrelevant, and disruptive in their practices.…”

“…4 Patients may have unanticipated features of a trafficked minor (eg, living at home and doing well in school) and therefore are not screened. 2 Subpopulations of DMST-involved youth (ie, boys; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth; and preadolescents) may also be particularly difficult to identify. 5 Given these significant challenges, when a physician uses a universal adolescent risk screening tool (eg, HEADSS, the home education, employment activities, drugs, sexuality, and suicide screening tool), a conversation about DMST may be considered concurrently.…”

“…Advocacy for this patient population is broad and individualized and includes identifying educational opportunities (eg, alternative educational settings with smaller classes), appropriate housing and guardianship, specialized medical care (eg, psychiatry and dental), mental health counseling, and legal assistance. 1,2,5 By participating actively with a multidisciplinary team of providers with frequent and bidirectional communication, physicians can begin to address the multifaceted needs of these youth.…”