Identification of Domestically Sex Trafficked Persons in Social Service Settings in Canada: A Qualitative Study

IF 1.4 4区社会学 Q2 SOCIAL WORK

Journal of Social Service Research Pub Date : 2023-09-01 DOI:10.1080/01488376.2023.2242886

Stephanie Elliott, C. Kelly, Danielle Jacobson, Frances Montemurro, Rhonelle Bruder, Robin Mason, J. Du Mont

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Abstract Social service providers are critical in supporting domestically sex trafficked persons. However, little is known about how these providers identify sex trafficked persons. This study aimed to explore this vital but poorly understood first step to addressing sex trafficked clients’ needs, asking: How do social service providers in Ontario, Canada identify domestically sex trafficked adolescents and adults? Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with diverse social service providers from across Ontario. Participants’ responses to open-ended questions were then analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that providers recognize sex trafficked persons using both commonly reported as well as unique indicators suggestive of sex trafficking, drawing on existing tools and skills developed through or adapted from work with other service populations. However, few had access to formalized practices or resources within their workplace to aid in identifying sex trafficked persons specifically and, as such, many relied on ad hoc processes. While resourceful, this approach can unintentionally perpetuate myths and stereotypes about sex trafficked persons and contribute to missed opportunities for identification. To better support sex trafficked persons, it is recommended that social service providers are provided with tailored training and resources related to identification while adopting and using reflexivity in their everyday practice to combat unconscious biases, beliefs, and attitudes. The work undertaken by social service providers could also be enhanced by knowledge gained from future research designed to evaluate the utility of the sex trafficking indicators and processes for identification described.

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加拿大社会服务环境中国内性贩运人口的识别：一项定性研究

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来源期刊

Journal of Social Service Research SOCIAL WORK-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Social Service Research is exclusively devoted to empirical research and its application to the design, delivery, and management of the new social services. The Journal focuses on outcomes-based research and practice, and clearly presents the different types of funded and non-funded state-of-the-art research being carried out in the field. Each issue effectively highlights both the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Contributors from the national and international social service arenas provide an important and critical basis for management and policy decisions in a wide variety of social service settings.