Innovative Approaches to Engaging Hard-to-Reach Populations: Insights from Minor Sex Trafficking Research

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Innovative recruitment methods are critical in engaging hard-to-reach populations in research endeavors. Research examining the experiences of minor sex trafficking victims holds the potential to deepen our understanding of the victimization process and facilitate the development of more targeted and efficacious interventions. This panel brings together scholars studying minor sex trafficking to explore the effectiveness of varied methodological approaches and research participant recruitment mechanisms. Specifically, scholars present research comparing social media and agency recruitment mechanisms, parental consent procedures, and measures to understand financial stress and trauma-informed healthcare approaches better. The papers in this panel all utilize data from a study that gathered survey data from 500 young people who were exposed to or at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Surveys were supplemented with in-depth interviews with 35 adult survivors of minor sex trafficking better to understand the impacts of exploitation over the life course. This panel contributes to ongoing efforts to understand and support the well-being of this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation in recruitment strategies.

Sub Unit

• Area III. Types of Offending / 16. Human Trafficking

Individual Presentations

• Dynamic Recruitment Strategies: Agency Partnerships and Social Media Outreach for Studying Minors Affected by Sex Trafficking - Amelia Wagner, Northeastern University; Sarah Lockwood, University of South Florida; Amy Farrell, Northeastern University; Carlos Cuevas, Northeastern University; Thy Ho, Northeastern University

• The Willingness of Minor Subjects to Participate in Research on Commercial Sexual Exploitation When Parental Consent is Required - Amy Farrell, Northeastern University; Sarah Lockwood, University of South Florida; Amelia Wagner, Northeastern University; Carlos Cuevas, Northeastern University

• Perceptions of Trauma-Informed Care in Health Settings and the Impact on Survivors of Minor Sex Trafficking - Rebecca Pfeffer, RTI International; Jaclyn Kolnik, RTI International; Shani Bacy, RTI International; Carlos Cuevas, Northeastern University; Emily Rothman, Boston University

• Interactions Between Financial Insecurity, Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE), and Physical Health Problems for Youth - Lisa Jones, University of New Hampshire; Jennifer O'Brien, University of New Hampshire; Alisa Lincoln, Northeastern University; Emily Rothman, Boston University; Kimberly Mitchell, University of New Hampshire

Chair

• Lisa Jones, University of New Hampshire