Improving services for youth survivors of commercial sexual exploitation: Insights from interventions with other high-risk youth

Instruments for the Identification of Child Sexual Exploitation: A Systematic Review

“…Once the initial detection of CSE is completed and transitioning to a therapeutic intervention phase, it becomes essential to have more in-depth information beyond what the initial screening provides. In this second phase, such information is gathered through diagnostic interviews conducted by clinicians (O’Brien et al, 2022).…”

Trauma-informed intervention with survivors of human trafficking.

“…There are, however, EBTs for analogous or overlapping populations (e.g., sexual abuse and domestic violence survivors) that address common psychological impacts and mental health concerns experienced by trafficking survivors. These are potentially important intervention tools for people impacted by trafficking and exploitation (O'Brien et al, 2022;Salami et al, 2018). In addition, an array of "promising practices" and adjunctive interventions may also offer benefit to survivors.…”

“…These approaches all have a substantial evidence base and have been utilized effectively with adults and youth in a range of treatment settings and locales and with individuals with an array of trauma experiences, including trauma exposures that may overlap with the experiences of trafficking survivors (e.g., Edmond, 2018;Foa et al, 2013;LoSavio et al, 2021;Rodenburg et al, 2009); however, outcome research specifically with trafficking survivors is lacking for these approaches. Their value and specific cautions in implementation with trafficking survivors have been thoughtfully reviewed elsewhere (Salami et al, 2018; see also O'Brien et al, 2022). Specific concerns identified include the limitations of exposure-based interventions to address stigma and shame, potential poorer retention of PE compared with CPT, and impacts of low literacy for CPT (ameliorated by the omission of a written trauma account in CPT-C [cognitive therapy only]).…”

“…Current approaches to clinical intervention with trafficking survivors include utilization of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) targeting the primary mental health impacts of trafficking (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], complex posttraumatic stress disorder [C-PTSD], depression, anxiety, substance use problems, suicidal ideation, and self-harm) and other evidence-informed or promising practices, often augmented by a range of adjunctive treatments and strategies to best meet client needs. Unfortunately, treatment outcome research with trafficking survivors is sparse (O'Brien et al, 2022; although see O'Callaghan et al, 2013;Robjant et al, 2017), especially with regard to labor trafficking.A growing body of research suggests that engagement and completion of treatment with survivors of trafficking, regardless of treatment approach or type of trafficking experienced, may be especially challenging (Albright…”

A Single-Case Series Trial of Emotion-Regulation and Relationship Safety Intervention for Youth Affected by Sexual Exploitation

“…Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a growing and dangerous type of sexual violence which leaves children, young people and their greater communities suffering multiple co-occurring adverse outcomes, including trauma, mental illness, emotion dysregulation and substance misuse [1][2][3][4]. When young people and children affected by CSE remain unsupported and untreated, they are more likely to experience cycles of ongoing sexual violence throughout their lifetimes compared to those unaffected by CSE [1].…”