Child Sex Trafficking: The need for mental health services

Sex trafficking is a criminal industry that generates billions worldwide. Sex trafficking can be seen as a taboo topic that many avoid. Sex trafficking is an increasing issue that effects all ages, genders and ethnicities. The National Human trafficking hotline reports in 2020 there were 10,583 cases of trafficking reported. Out of the 10,583 cases, 7,648 were sex trafficking cases. In addition, Texas was the number two state with most reported trafficking cases. It is important to remember these numbers do not reflect the hundreds of unreported cases. According to the Department of Family Protective Services in Texas, in 2021 there were 192 children reported to be in a suspected or confirmed trafficking incident.

In 2021, there was a total of 1683 missing children recovered from DFPS conservatorship. Why is this important? According NCMEC, it is estimated that 19% of runaway reports from foster care are likely to be sex trafficking victims. Perpetrators prey on children with vulnerabilities and lack of support systems.

Research shows that post-pandemic there has been a 125% of online trafficking recruitment through Facebook and 95% increase through Instagram. Social media sites are highly utilized by today’s youth. This why even children with solid support systems and who are well adapted can still fall prey to sex trafficking recruiters.

Top Risk factors for Sex Trafficking

• Runaway or Homeless Youth

• Mental Health concerns

• Unstable housing

• Relocation

• Family economic hardship

• Substance use

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How can mental health services help survivors of child trafficking?

Based on the complexity and severe levels of trauma, The U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking highly recommends services that are aimed at the whole individual including physical, psychological, emotional and holistic wellbeing. In addition, The U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking recommend services for sex trafficking survivors involve individualized and culturally sensitive approach within treatments.

The Mental Health Impact of child sex trafficking

• Decreased attention-span and concentration

• Emotional dysregulation

• Sleep disorders

• Dissociation

• Intrusive thoughts

• Suicidal ideations/ self-harm

• Nightmares

• PTSD

• Decreased self-esteem

• Avoidance

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Substance abuse

Impact of Trauma-Informed counseling for survivors of child sex trafficking

Research shows that trauma-informed care can have a direct positive impact on mental health. In addition, studies found that evidence-based approaches such cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce trauma reactions, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Evidence-based treatment approaches require a safe and secure environment with the guidance of trained mental health professional. If you are interested in my services and you are a guardian of child survivor of sex trafficking please submit a contact form to setup your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About_DFPS/Data_Book/Human_Trafficking/trafficking.asp

https://polarisproject.org/2020-us-national-human-trafficking-hotline-statistics/

https://www.state.gov/united-states-advisory-council-on-human-trafficking-annual-report-2016/

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/opre/foster_care_runaway_human_trafficking_october_2020_508.pdf

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/states