Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States: A Perspective for Nurses

Abstract

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a crime and a public health concern with a long-standing history, globally and in the United States. Among a multitude of risk factors, childhood maltreatment trauma has been identified as most relevant. CSEC victims suffer a range of acute and chronic physical and mental health consequences. Though fearful and distrusting, victims do seek medical care, even while under their trafficker’s control. Nevertheless, many go unrecognized and unaided due to inadequate provider education about victim identification. As members of the largest healthcare profession nationwide, nurses have an important role in confronting CSEC. To fulfill this role, nurses need education to recognize “red flags” of victimization, as well as knowledge about trauma-informed assessment and response. This article offers background information and discusses recruitment tactics, health consequences, clinical care, and implications for nursing practice and research.