This study examined how the child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in Nevada experienced detention, using a qualitative content analysis of 36 interviews with formerly detained young women.
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) harms youth around the globe. In the United States, most states manage CSEC victims through the juvenile justice system. Once the youth enter the system, little is known about how being detained for prostitution and solicitation charges impacts them. This article presents pivotal findings that reveal patterns of stigmatization, turning points, obstacles, and relational breakthroughs while in detention. Treatment suggestions, proposed by the interviewees themselves, are also provided. (publisher abstract modified)