Domestic minor sex trafficking in the United States.
By now, most social workers are familiar with the issue of human trafficking. However, many are likely unfamiliar with research indicating that youths constitute the most vulnerable group in the United States for becoming victims of sex trafficking and that most women in prostitution actually entered as minors. Some experts are now referring to the sex trafficking of U.S. children and youths as "domestic minor sex trafficking," or DMST. This article seeks to acquaint readers with what is currently known regarding the extent of DMST, who is at risk for becoming a victim, and implications for the social work profession in addressing this tragedy.
Kotrla
Kimberly
K
School of Social Work, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7320, USA. kim_kotrla@baylor.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D002649:Child Abuse; D004882:Erotica / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency; D008297:Male; D012742:Sex Offenses; D011477:Sex Work / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D012935:Social Justice; D012940:Social Problems; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States