Childhood Sexual Abuse & Commercial Sexual Exploitation

ResearchSex Trafficking
Written By Courtney Furlong

Findings from “Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities in Context: An analysis of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation”

Childhood sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation are deeply intertwined issues that have significant implications for public health and social justice. The article "Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities in Context: An Analysis of 1,264 Case Files of Adult Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation" provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to commercial sexual exploitation, with a particular focus on the role of childhood sexual abuse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) Study estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys in the United States are sexually abused before the age of 18.1 This high prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies. But the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation is even higher.

Survivors of commercial sexual exploitation report a rate of childhood sexual abuse between 60% and 95%, with the true average estimated to be closer to 85%.2 Several studies have identified a history of childhood sexual abuse as one of the primary push factors for commercial sexual exploitation.2-5 For survivors of commercial sexual exploitation who report a history of childhood sexual abuse, 70% indicate that it influenced their entry into commercial sexual exploitation.5

Key outcomes in the study of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation included age of entry into sexual exploitation, length of exploitation, number of arrests, cycling into and out of commercial sexual exploitation, and program placement outcomes. The data revealed that the experience of childhood sexual abuse significantly predicted younger ages of entry into commercial sexual exploitation (B = -2.530, p < .001). This finding aligns with previous research indicating that early trauma can lead to vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit.2-5

Childhood sexual abuse is an epidemic that must be addressed at all levels of society. It is linked to numerous negative long-term outcomes, like chronic health problems, mental health disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, socioeconomic stress, and suicidal ideation.1, 6-7 We must work together towards a future where all children are protected from abuse and exploitation.

References

Furlong, C., & Hinnant, B. (2024). Sex trafficking vulnerabilities in context: An analysis of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. PLOS ONE, 19(11), e0311131. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311131

  1. Felitti, V., Anda, R., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D., Spitz, A., Edwards, V. et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14, 245-257. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8

  2. Farley, M., Cotton, A., Lynne, J., Zumbeck, S., Spiwak, F., Reyes, M.E., Alvarez, D., & Sezgin, U. (2004). Prostitution and trafficking in nine countries. Journal of Trauma Practice, 2(3–4), 33–74. https://doi.org/10.1300/J189v02n03_03.

  3. Farley, M., & Kelly, V. (2000). Prostitution: A critical review of the medical and social sciences literature. Women & Criminal Justice, 11(4), 29–64. https://doi.org/10.1300/ J012v11n04_04

  4. Fedina, L., Williamson, C., & Perdue, T. (2019). Risk factors for domestic child sex trafficking in the United States. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(13), 2653-2673. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516662306

  5. Silbert, M. H., & Pines, A. M. (1981). Sexual child abuse as an antecedent to prostitution. Child Abuse & Neglect, 5(4), 407-411. https://doi.org/10.1016/0145-2134(81)90050-8

  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2024). About child sexual abuse. https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html

  7. Jeglic, E. L. (2021). The long-lasting consequences of child sexual abuse. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse/202105/the-long-lasting-consequences-of-child-sexual

Courtney Furlong

Courtney Furlong, MS, MEd, LPC, CRC, is a native of Atlanta, GA and a graduate of Auburn University with a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science and a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling. A licensed counselor, Furlong has spent over 20 years working with victims of commercial sexual exploitation from ten countries covering Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Human Development and Family Science at Auburn University and serves as the Director of Research for Street Grace. 

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