Sex trafficking of women and girls in a southern Ontario region: Police file review exploring victim characteristics, trafficking experiences, and the intersection with child welfare.

Abstract

Domestic sex trafficking is a growing crime in Canada, with the majority of victims being children and youth. Youth involved with Child Welfare (CW) are vastly over-represented among sex trafficking victims. Yet, it is poorly understood why these youth are so vulnerable, particularly within the Canadian context. The goal of the current study was to increase our understanding of the elevated risk status of CW involved youth who are victimized by sex traffickers, as well as explore routes into sex trafficking. To address this goal, researchers collaborated with local CW and police agencies to conduct a secondary data analysis of sex trafficking cases from 2008 to 2016. In total, data were included on 223 victims, 52 of these cases were involved with CW. Findings underscore the high-risk status of CW youth victimized by sex trafficking. All CW involved sex trafficking victims were recruited under the age of 18. CW victims were more likely to use alcohol, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine; live in a group home; and experience childhood maltreatment. Traffickers utilized online platforms and relationships to recruit youth. Results from this study suggest early identification of high-risk status should be a priority for CW agencies. Moreover, professionals working with youth in various capacities such as, schools, hospitals, and mental health centers should be knowledgeable about risk, recruitment by traffickers, and warning signs of victimization. Public Significance StatementYouth in care of child welfare are at enhanced risk of being recruited into sex trafficking. CW victims are alarmingly young and present with complex psychosocial histories. Traffickers utilize online platforms and preexisting relationships in recruitment and employ grooming strategies rather than violence or threats in the process of recruitment.

Recruitment and Entrapment Pathways of Minors into Sex Trafficking in Canada and the United States: A Systematic Review

“…Six studies reference the significance of sex-trafficked youth coming from impoverished households with unmet financial needs (Bruhns et al, 2018; Corbett, 2018; Moore et al, 2020; Reed et al, 2019; Rosenblatt, 2014; Smith et al, 2009). In addition, involvement with child welfare and childhood experiences of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse is common across many of the reviewed articles (Baird et al, 2020; J. E. O’Brien, 2018; Perkins & Ruiz, 2017; Reed et al, 2019; Rosenblatt, 2014; Smith et al, 2009; Tidball et al, 2016; Williamson & Prior, 2009).…”

“…With the continuum framework as a background, findings of this review present an evidence-based understanding of pathways into STM which can inform prevention initiatives to eliminate recruitment. Prevention efforts may be most effective online, as online avenues were the most commonly cited location where a youth initially meets their trafficker or is recruited (Baird et al, 2020; Moore et al, 2020; J. E. O’Brien, 2018; J.…”

“…The permeable borders between European countries allow for easy international movement between proximal countries ( Lindstrom, 2004 ). For example, one report found only 5% of all identified sex-trafficked victims in the United Kingdom (UK) were originally from the UK, which is a stark contrast to the picture of trafficking in NA where the majority of victims are domestic persons ( Baird, McDonald & Connolly, 2020 ; Banks & Kyckelhahn, 2011 ; Mitchell et al, 2010 ; Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP], Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre, 2014 ; Serious Organised Crime Agency, 2013 ). Given sex trafficking industries vary between countries based on differences in social, geographical, cultural, economic, and historical factors, it is not appropriate to generalize understandings of STM across countries that are dissimilar across these factors ( Hepburn & Simon, 2010 ).…”

“…The domestic STM is of major concern within Canada and the United States ( Clawson et al, 2009 ; Dalley, 2010 ). While both countries adhere to the standards of affluent and profitable nations that are alluring destinations for international sex traffickers, research consistently shows that domestic youth (i.e., youth trafficked within their country of origin) comprise the majority of underage victims in their respective countries ( Baird et al, 2020 ; Kotrla, 2010 ; RCMP, Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre, 2014 ). Due to the risks and challenges associated with transporting victims across borders, some research suggests that domestic youths are preferred by traffickers ( Smith et al, 2009 ).…”

A protocol for a qualitative study on sex trafficking: Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians, nurses, and social workers in Ontario, Canada

“…In the context of predominantly domestic sex trafficking cases, for example, they discussed the ways that anti-trafficking laws overly scrutinize and under protect racial and gender minority groups. Studies of youth who have been sex trafficked have explored the impact on their mental health [ 11 ], routes to recruitment and entrapment [ 12 ], and higher risk of those within the child welfare system [ 13 ]. The limited research on social services for those who have been sex trafficked in Canada has revealed gaps in the delivery of services including a dearth of transitional housing and safe shelters, in addition to barriers to accessing health care, a lack of culturally informed services, and fear of being arrested [ 14 ].…”