A new study led by Dr. Amy Farrell, Professor and Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, and Dr. Carlos Cuevas, Professor and Co-Director of the Center on Crime, Race and Justice, provides critical insights into the complex health needs of youth who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). The report, titled Understanding Physical and Psychological Health Among Minor Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, offers one of the most comprehensive examinations to date of how exploitation impacts young survivors’ physical and mental health.
Developed in collaboration with researchers from Boston University, the University of New Hampshire, and RTI International, the study includes a national survey of over 500 young people who have experienced exploitation, as well as in-depth interviews with adult survivors of sex trafficking while they were a minor. The research team from Northeastern University comprises: Alisa Lincoln, PhD – Professor of Health Sciences and Sociology, Sarah Lockwood, PhD – Research Scientist, Amelia Wagner, MS – Doctoral Student, Criminology and Justice Policy, Ella Griswald-Doctoral Student, Criminology and Justice Policy, Thy Ho – Undergraduate Research Assistantt.
The study reveals alarming health challenges faced by CSE survivors, including:
- Chronic physical conditions: Many survivors experience frequent headaches, insomnia, and stomach pain.
- High prevalence of mental health issues: 61% reported depression, and 57% reported anxiety.
- Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Due to the nature of their exploitation, survivors are at heightened risk for STIs.
- Barriers to healthcare access: Survivors often encounter stigma and discrimination from healthcare providers, leading to mistrust and reluctance to seek care.
The report recommends enhancing trauma-informed care, training medical professionals to recognize and respond to signs of exploitation, and integrating peer support and healthcare navigators to build trust and improve access to services. These steps are vital to addressing the significant health disparities faced by CSE survivors.
To learn more view the full report.
