This study on the shortcomings of interventions offered by healthcare providers to youth suffering trauma and abuse from sex trafficking identified violations of the four pillars of ethical healthcare as well as missed opportunities to intervene.
This quantitative study documented the disconnect between youth seeking help and interventions offered by healthcare providers. This analysis identified violations of the four pillars of ethical healthcare and revealed lost opportunities to intervene on behalf of youth suffering trauma and abuse from sex trafficking, highlighting the necessity for a formal protocol in healthcare settings to effectively intervene. Ninety-one sex youth exploited through sex trafficking answered questions detailing their experiences of seeking medical treatment for injuries associated with selling or trading sex. Healthcare providers who were aware that injuries were sustained due to sex trafficking did not always alert legal or mandated reporting authorities. A critical opportunity for identifying children experiencing domestic minor sex trafficking exists in healthcare settings. (Published Abstract Provided)