Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Awareness in California
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Authors
Baruch, Steffanie
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Throughout the United States, and more specifically California, domestic sex trafficking of minors is occurring every day and in every community, according to an interview participant who is a director of a non-profit agency combating human trafficking. Research has only recently started to understand sex trafficking in terms of identifying and helping victims. This thesis shows research on domestic minor sex trafficking in California based on a qualitative study conducted with community-based mental health providers and law enforcement. Lack of awareness about this problem, and societal attitudes that perpetuate this situation result in lost opportunities for helping victims escape from their traffickers. This research highlights that human trafficking is prevalent in California. Through my interview research, which includes studies from Kotrla (2010), Kalergis (2009), Chung (2009), Gozdziak and Bump (2008), I have found that human trafficking all too often goes unreported. According to a law enforcement interviewee, many people within the State are not aware that human trafficking exists within this state, much less within this country. Recommendations about what interventions need to be implemented are also included in this study. This research used a grounded theory approach to examine this topic and to develop strategies to help mental health professionals, non-profit agencies, and victim advocates educate the public on how to identify and assist children who have been commercially sexually exploited. Through analyzing the research data, I have found that more training needs to take place for law enforcement officers and those who come into contact with domestic minor sex trafficking victims. It is important for awareness to be raised within the community in order for victims to be able to receive the help they need and for people within the community to be able to identify potential children at risk for being exploited.