Police practices and protocols for child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation: Successes, challenges, and lessons-learned

• In Event: Findings from a National Survey on Law Enforcement Investigations of Youth Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking

Abstract

Extant data suggest that many survivors of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) had contact with law enforcement during their victimization experiences. Accordingly, law enforcement has an opportunity to identify survivors and connect them to supports thereby reducing [re]victimization. However, it is unclear the strategies used by police with victims and survivors of CSEC. The current study addresses this gap through qualitative interviews exploring law enforcement’s practices and protocols related to CSEC, including their strengths, challenges, and lessons learned. Participants were 18 law enforcement and 62 service providers across 11 cities with professional experience related to CSEC. Semi-structured interviews lasted approximately 45 minutes and were conducted via zoom. Interviews focused on law enforcement protocols, including formal and informal practices promoting law enforcement and service provider collaboration. Participants were urged to reflect on successful practices, as well as those that were unsuccessful. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using a grounded theory approach. Three themes emerged including: (1) Identification of risk; (2) Victim needs; and (3) Case development. Findings highlight both tension and synergy between law enforcement and service provider’s goals when working with CSEC survivors and provide meaningful lessons around collaboration on these complex cases.

Authors

• Jennifer O'Brien, University of New Hampshire

• Kimberly Mitchell, University of New Hampshire

• Lisa Jones, University of New Hampshire

• Gina Zwerling Kahn, University of New Hampshire