An Examination of Ohio State Student Perceptions of Survivors of Sex Trafficking

The purpose of this project was to examine the perceptions and stigma of sex trafficking survivors among undergraduate and graduate college students at the Ohio State University Main Campus, and to explore possible reasons for bias toward survivors. Another goal of this study was to uncover the extent to which survivors are blamed for their experience by students. The findings of the study indicate potential interventions for reducing stigma and bias through education and awareness. Student perceptions of sex trafficking were assessed utilizing an online survey. The sample population consisted of students attending the Ohio State University who were of age eighteen years or older, and the survey included a preexisting scale developed by Houston-Kolnik, Todd, and Wilson (2016) to measure the perceptions of participants towards sex trafficking. Overall, the survey featured both extended response questions and multiple choice questions, and 65 participant responses were recorded. The data from each of the surveys was analyzed using a quantitative approach. Multiple choice questions were encoded and examined through quantitative methods, and extended response questions were used to interpret the results of the qualitative data. Analysis of the data was primarily of descriptive nature, though a few demographic variables were examined for correlation in regards to bias against survivors. The results of the survey proved to be significant. Almost all of the participants felt that they had knowledge of sex trafficking and were aware of sex trafficking as a social issue. The majority of participants also indicated that they felt they had the ability to make an impact in combatting sex trafficking. More variance was found in participant attitudes toward helping sex trafficking survivors, attitudes toward trafficking survivors' ability to leave their situation, and emotional response to trafficking. Responses to sex trafficking survivors varied based on the college participants were enrolled in within Ohio State as well. Based on this study, future research into stigma and bias in diverse collegiate populations around the country is recommended to provide even more awareness as to stigma and bias surrounding sex trafficking. Continued research and analysis will serve to increase student awareness, education and knowledge around sex trafficking and indirectly aid sex trafficking survivors through a decrease in stigma and discrimination and an increase in public awareness and education.No embargoAcademic Major: Social Wor