Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Disorders of Extreme Stress (DESNOS) Symptoms Following Prostitution and Childhood Abuse

• NCJ Number: 228105
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 15 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 933-951
• Author(s): Hyunjung Choi; Carolin Klein; Min-Sup Shin; Hoon-Jin Lee
• Date Published: August 2009
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the psychological consequences in victims of sexual exploitation in Korea.

Abstract

Findings from this study included the report of disturbances in physical autonomy, disruptions in attachment, economic constraints, physical and sexual assault, and emotional abuse from the prostituted women. Few of the control group reported these events. Prostituted women had higher symptom levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as symptoms characteristic of disorders of extreme stress not otherwise specified (DESNOS). Episodes of childhood abuse exacerbated these levels. Results also indicated that women with a history of childhood sexual abuse entered prostitution at a significantly younger age. Data were collected from 46 Korean women involved in indoor prostitution and now residing in shelters where they were receiving rehabilitation services. The control group included age and education matched Korean women with no history of child abuse or prostitution. Tables and references