Aphrodite, Content writer
Headline Diplomat eMagazine
Introduction
Identifying adolescent victims of sexual trafficking poses a significant challenge for healthcare professionals due to the hidden nature of the issue, lack of awareness among law enforcement, and the psychological impact on victims. However, recent research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that a straightforward screening protocol could greatly aid healthcare practitioners in identifying and supporting individuals in need. This groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children, sheds light on the common characteristics of those who have experienced sexual exploitation, offering a potential solution to an alarming, and often overlooked public health concern.
Healthcare professionals can now detect Children who are Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Identifying adolescent victims of sexual trafficking can present challenges for healthcare professionals owing to its hidden nature, insufficient awareness among law enforcement and other support personnel, and the psychological toll on victims. Nonetheless, as per recent research conducted by two students from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the adoption of a simple screening protocol could assist healthcare practitioners in pinpointing individuals in need of support.
According to an article published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children (Vol. 6, Issue 1), a study was conducted by a team including Kimberly Chang, MPH ’15, Joon-Suk Terrence Park, SM ’15, and other authors. The study aimed to identify common characteristics of individuals who have experienced sexual exploitation. The researchers examined 621 girls who were seeking sexual or reproductive services at a clinic in Oakland, Calif., where they were employed. The findings revealed that individuals with a history of sexually transmitted infections and those with multiple sexual partners were more likely to have been victims of sexual exploitation.
After analyzing the results, the authors developed a screening tool that guides on identifying sexually exploited children and initiating discussions about the issue. Park’s study revealed clinical signs that may indicate sexual exploitation, which are typically included in a standard sexual history assessment of a patient.
According to estimates, a significant number of children and adolescents in the United States, potentially up to 300,000, are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation. This issue is particularly prevalent in urban areas and among young individuals who have already experienced trauma in their lives, as seen in the Oakland study. The study focused on low-income Asian and Pacific Islander youth who faced challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, addiction, and domestic violence. When minors who are already struggling with these issues are sexually exploited, it can result in further harm, including violence, substance abuse, mental illness, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy.
According to Chang, a Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy, the exploitation of minors for sexual purposes is a significant problem with serious health implications in both the short and long term. As a physician who has cared for victimized children and helped establish HEAL Trafficking, a coalition of health professionals and advocates dedicated to ending human trafficking, Chang aims for this research to inspire community health centers and other healthcare providers to improve their support for these exploited young people. The act of human trafficking essentially represents a contemporary form of slavery.
Take a look at the research titled “Utilizing a Clinic-based Assessment Instrument for Primary Care Providers to Detect Children who are Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation” found at http://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1235&context=childrenatrisk.
Check out a fact sheet provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
In the video, “Why Public Health? Kimberly Chang,” from Harvard Chan, Kimberly Chang shares her thoughts on the importance of public health. She discusses how her personal experiences and passion for social justice led her to pursue a career in public health. Chang also emphasizes the role of public health in creating systemic change and addressing health disparities in marginalized communities. This video highlights the critical role of public health in promoting health and equity for all individuals.
Conclusion
In the face of a pervasive and hidden problem, the study led by Kimberly Chang and Joon-Suk Terrence Park provides a crucial step forward in addressing adolescent victims of sexual trafficking. The findings, rooted in a comprehensive examination of 621 girls seeking sexual or reproductive services, unveil the link between sexually transmitted infections, multiple sexual partners, and a history of sexual exploitation. The development of a screening tool based on these insights empowers healthcare professionals to initiate conversations about this pressing issue. The research underscores the urgent need for systemic change in healthcare practices to better identify and support victims of sexual exploitation.
Call to action
As healthcare professionals and advocates, we must recognize the importance of implementing the screening tool derived from this research in community health centers and other healthcare facilities. The estimated 300,000 children and adolescents at risk of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States require our attention, dedication, and proactive efforts. By enhancing awareness and incorporating these screening protocols into routine assessments, we can contribute to the prevention and early identification of victims. Additionally, supporting organizations like HEAL Trafficking and engaging with resources such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s fact sheet can further empower us to combat child exploitation. Together, let us take collective action to address this grave issue and ensure the well-being of vulnerable youth in our communities.
Featured photo: cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/6684670/
