Sexual Exploitation of Children in Prostitution : Traumatic Symptoms and Promissing Practices

• In Event:  Childhood Victimization and Adolescent Development: Risks, Responses, and Recovery

Abstract

The sexual exploitation of children in prostitution (SECP) constitutes a severe form of child maltreatment associated with contexts and relationships that are degrading and threatening to the young person’s physical and psychological integrity (Schnur et al., 2020). Recent research has shown SECP to be particularly prevalent among female adolescents in residential care settings, ranging from 54% to 62% (Lanctôt et al., 2020; Hickle & Roe-Sepowitz, 2018; Reid, 2018), compared to rates of 1% to 6% among female adolescents in the general population (Lavoie et al., 2010; Svedin & Priebe, 2007). Despite the high rates of SECP observed among female adolescents in residential care, research focusing on the consequences of SECP on their psychosocial development and treatment needs is scarce. Studies are mostly based on retrospective and explorative qualitative designs, underscoring the clear lack of prospective studies on the subject (Maticka-Tyndale et al., 2000; Sallmann, 2010). The specific objectives are 1) to assess whether, and to what extent, sexual exploitation in prostitution during adolescence predicted different traumatic symptoms in emerging adulthood, while considering the possible confounding effects of child maltreatment, and 2) to identify the most promising psychosocial practices that promote positive developmental outcomes for adolescent victims of sexual exploitation. Data were gathered in a broader longitudinal study conducted among a sample of 124 female adolescents placed in residential youth care centers. Moreover, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018), an extensive literature search was conducted on promising programs and practices. Our study adds to the literature by highlighting the unique influence of sexual exploitation experiences among vulnerable female adolescents on their transition to young adulthood. Our results highlight the crucial need to support young women with a history of SECP in building and strengthening their own identity and agency, developing trusting relationships and recognizing their emotions.

Authors

• Nadine Lanctôt, Université de Shebrooke

• Roxane Perrin-Plouffe, Université de Sherbrooke