Abstract
Study Objective
To compare characteristics of patients with confirmatory evidence (eg, disclosure,
found by law enforcement) of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) involvement with
those without confirmatory evidence but who were suspected of involvement.
Design
A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients referred for DMST involvement.
Confirmed DMST patients were compared with suspected patients with regard to demographic,
psychosocial, medical, and psychiatric variables.
Setting
A child protection program at a children's hospital where patients are evaluated by
child abuse pediatricians in outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient settings.
Participants
Patients 11-17 years old referred for concern of DMST involvement between August 1,
2013 and July 1, 2016 were included. Patients self-disclosed, had reported with evidence,
and/or had histories that placed them at high risk for DMST involvement.
Interventions and Main Outcome Measures
We collected data on demographic, psychosocial, medical, and psychiatric variables
from the medical records of patients referred for evaluation.
Results
A total of 67 patients were included. No statistically significant differences were
identified between the confirmed and suspected groups.
Conclusion
Our preliminary data showed that confirmed and suspected patients presented with similar
and high rates of concerning medical and psychosocial issues; therefore, medical providers
should evaluate and treat all patients referred for DMST. Similar treatment includes
referrals for psychological/substance abuse interventions, safety planning, and collaboration
with a multidisciplinary team.
Key Words
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 10, 2019
Footnotes
No authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc.
