Sexual Exploitation, Selling and Swapping Sex: Victimhood and Agency

Abstract

Drawing on a qualitative study of women involved in sex work in the UK, this paper focuses on the participants who became involved in sexual exploitation or, what some of them saw as, selling or swapping sex for non‐monetary ‘payment’, under the age of 18. A central aim of the study was to develop an understanding of how the meaning ascribed to risk and protective factors influenced perceptions of victimhood and agency. Findings indicate that the key determinants of pathway outcomes were: whether, and how, the search for approval and affection was resolved; whether feeling ‘different’ led to a sense of defeat or strengthened resolve; whether coping strategies were adaptive or maladaptive; and whether individuals experienced the availability of a secure base. The findings suggest the need for policy which acknowledges the expertise and views of the young people involved, recognises the importance of early intervention, and is holistic in service provision not only for young people who are victims of sexual exploitation, but also for those who perceive that they have exercised agency, albeit from limited options, about their involvement in selling or swapping sex. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Policy and service provision must acknowledge the agency, expertise and views of the young people involved in sexual exploitation. We need to build on the good practice already in existence in continuing to develop a model of intervention which promotes security and resilience. Service interventions with young people involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation, selling and swapping sex must be trust building, respectful, relationship based, solution focused and strengths based.

The Imprint of Childhood Abuse on Trauma-Related Shame in Adulthood

“…However, it is important to note that numerous researchers have raised concerns regarding the "victim" or "victimhood" label being linked to those involved in commercial sexual exploitation (Dodsworth, 2014;McMahon-Howard, 2017). In this context, the colloquial term victim with its largely derogatory connotation has been confused with the strictly legal distinction of the term victim (i.e., a crime victim as opposed to a criminal).…”

“…Concerns have also arisen regarding the requirement, in certain circumstances, for youth to acknowledge some level of "exploitation" in order to receive treatment or services (Dodsworth, 2014) or to avoid prosecution for prostitution (Reid & Jones, 2011). The notion of victimhood or being exploited may demoralize adolescents with histories of trauma exposure, while also diminishing their feelings of self-efficacy and resilience (Dodsworth, 2014). Appropriately responding to these concerns is vital for those providing trauma-informed care to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation or other types of child maltreatment.…”

“…In this context, the colloquial term victim with its largely derogatory connotation has been confused with the strictly legal distinction of the term victim (i.e., a crime victim as opposed to a criminal). Concerns have also arisen regarding the requirement, in certain circumstances, for youth to acknowledge some level of "exploitation" in order to receive treatment or services (Dodsworth, 2014) or to avoid prosecution for prostitution (Reid & Jones, 2011). The notion of victimhood or being exploited may demoralize adolescents with histories of trauma exposure, while also diminishing their feelings of self-efficacy and resilience (Dodsworth, 2014).…”

‘I Have My Life Back’: Recovering from Child Sexual Exploitation

“…Resilience theory (Rutter, 1987) is a model already applied in the field of CSE to account for young people's varying strategies and exit routes from CSE (Pearce, 2009;Dodsworth, 2012;Dodsworth, 2014). Less well acknowledged is how small acts of defiance during the exploitation provide an important reference point later on; they are indicators of what Hauser and Allen (2006) call 'resilient development'.…”

“…Few research studies in the UK explore how young people cope with the consequences and impact of CSE (Taylor-Brown, 2002;Pearce, 2002, Pearce, 2009Sanders et al, 2009;Dodsworth, 2012;Dodsworth, 2014). The DCSF (2009) supplementary guidance on CSE only dedicates two paragraphs out of 97 pages to long-term support needs.…”