Practitioners Views on Effective Interventions for Victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to explore methods of effective treatment interventions for victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) from the viewpoint of practitioners. Although risk factors are present the secretive nature of the DMST population make victims difficult to identify. The sensitivity of the trauma victims experience also make it difficult to determine effective interventions to utilize for treatment of this population. This study seeks to gain the perspectives of practitioners who work with the DMST population in order to overcome these barriers. This study utilizes a qualitative design in which 10 practitioners were interviewed to determine effective methods of intervention. In doing so risk factors for identification, psychological impact of victimization and various interventions were highlighted to determine the most frequently used and most effective methods of intervention. Findings of the study indicate sexual abuse, homelessness, vulnerability, physical abuse and neglect as risk factors directly related to victimization. Findings of the study also indicate CBT, trauma focused and interpersonal psychotherapy as effective methods of intervention. The implementation of training programs specifically tailored to the DMST population is a necessary solution to bring awareness to DMST, assist in the identification of risk factors to prevent victimization and identify effective interventions for victims