Perception of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

• In Event: Sexual Offending: Perceptions of Victims and Consequences for Offenders

Abstract

Perception of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST-commercial sexual exploitation of children) in the United States is a serious public health issue that must be addressed. A large body of DMST literature focuses on the girls while scant information address the sexual exploitation of boys. Common responses available to the DMST is to divert this special population to juvenile detention facilities (Williamson & Prior, 2009) which are seen as double victimization. Moreover, should this special population become criminalized or given assistance by protection services. The purpose of this study is to build upon literature focusing on the perception of DMST in the U.S. This quantitative study is using a sample of student attending a rural HBCU in South East, Texas to explore the perceptions on individual’s empathic reaction, altruistic attitude, and biases toward the trafficker. Additionally, practical and theoretical implications will be discussed.

Author

• Paula Songs, Prairie View A&M University