Youth Sexual Exploitation (United Kingdom)

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of examining physical and psychological health in the context of youth sexual exploitation by drawing on fi ndings from an empirical research study undertaken between 2006 and 2011. Data were drawn from interviews with 24 sexually exploited young people and 61 professionals working in agencies supporting sexually exploited young people. A sequential mixed-method approach was employed to address the research study aims using interviews and a questionnaire survey.A signifi cant range of physical and psychological health problems were reported alongside risks to health and barriers to health support for sexually exploited young people. Intentional self-harm and substance abuse were concordant themes from phases 1 and 2. Psychosocial vulnerability factors appear to undermine health and affect health-seeking behavior. Novel themes that emerged from this study included taxonomy of risk behaviors related to health.

A qualitative study of the practices and experiences of staff in multidisciplinary child sexual exploitation partnerships in three English coastal towns

“…In addition, Hallett's (2017) interviewees report using alcohol and drugs to cope with feelings of loneliness and isolation as a result of their unmet need for adult care and attention. Other research has linked the experience of sexual exploitation with drug and alcohol use by describing how intoxication can be a way to "self-medicate" (Frisher, Crome, Macleod, Bloor, & Hickman, 2007;McLelland & Newell, 2013). Williams (2013Williams ( , 2015 argues that whilst British Government statistics now report downward trends in overall drug use, the role now played by demographics and social context is perhaps greater.…”

‘Keeping the informal safe’: Strategies for developing peer support initiatives for young people who have experienced sexual violence

“…Sexual violence is a significant public health and human rights issue impacting on individuals in every society (WHO, 2002). Research and practice identify that young people who have experienced different forms of sexual violence may be affected in a variety of ways physically, emotionally and psychologically (Finkelhor & Browne, 1985; Fisher et al, 2017; Hossain et al, 2010; McClelland & Newell, 2013; Stanley et al, 2016; Warrington et al, 2017). Researchers exploring the dynamics of child sexual abuse and exploitation highlight the potential impact of these experiences on a child or young person's ability to trust others and develop healthy positive relationships (Burton et al, 2011; Finkelhor & Browne, 1985).…”