Evaluation of a Survivor-Led Mentorship Program for Sexually Exploited Minors

• In Event: Evaluation of Services for Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking

Abstract

In response to growing concerns about the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), several cities across the United States have implemented prevention and intervention programs for youth at risk for CSEC. Some of these programs use CSEC survivors as “mentors” or case workers based on the belief that survivor experiences will facilitate trust with youth clients. However, to our knowledge few if any of these programs have been subjected to rigorous outcome evaluations. We present results from baseline surveys of young people participating in the mentoring component of My Life, My Choice, an evidence-informed CSEC prevention program. Utilizing preliminary enrollment data from forty youth who are at-high risk for or have experienced sexual exploitation in Massachusetts, we present information about participant demographics, victimization histories, risk factors and self-efficacy. Additionally, we discuss themes that have emerged from thirty interviews with these youth regarding their expectations of and early experiences in the mentoring program. The data are part of a larger longitudinal evaluation of the CSEC survivor mentoring program model.

Authors

• Katherine Bright, Northeastern University

• Jennifer Paruk, Boston University

• Emily Rothman, Boston University

• Amy Farrell, Northeastern University