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. 2017 Feb;107(2):306-311.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303564. Epub 2016 Dec 20.

Human Trafficking of Minors and Childhood Adversity in Florida

Joan A Reid  1 , Michael T Baglivio  1 , Alex R Piquero  1 , Mark A Greenwald  1 , Nathan Epps  1
Affiliations

Human Trafficking of Minors and Childhood Adversity in Florida

Joan A Reid et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the link between human trafficking of minors and childhood adversity.

Methods: We compared the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cumulative childhood adversity (ACE score) among a sample of 913 juvenile justice-involved boys and girls in Florida for whom the Florida child abuse hotline accepted human trafficking abuse reports between 2009 and 2015 with those of a matched sample.

Results: ACE composite scores were higher and 6 ACEs indicative of child maltreatment were more prevalent among youths who had human trafficking abuse reports. Sexual abuse was the strongest predictor of human trafficking: the odds of human trafficking was 2.52 times greater for girls who experienced sexual abuse, and there was a 8.21 times greater risk for boys who had histories of sexual abuse.

Conclusions: Maltreated youths are more susceptible to exploitation in human trafficking. Sexual abuse in connection with high ACE scores may serve as a key predictor of exploitation in human trafficking for both boys and girls.

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References

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    1. Oram S, Stöckl H, Busza J, Howard LM, Zimmerman C. Prevalence and risk of violence and the physical, mental, and sexual health problems associated with human trafficking: systematic review. PLoS Med. 2012;9(5):e1001224. - PMC - PubMed
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