The Power of Interpersonal Relationship in the Lives of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Background and Purpose: Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of US minors for the purposes of a commercial sex act. Although DMST victims/survivors often have contact with one or more state-level systems (e.g., the child-welfare and/or juvenile justice systems), little is known about the lives and vulnerabilities of system-involved DMST victims/survivors. Interpersonal relationships (IRs) have been identified as both a risk and protective factor for a number of risky adolescent behaviors; however, it is unclear if IRs play a similar role for system-involved DMST victims/survivors. This exploratory qualitative study investigates the role of IR in the lives of system-involved DMST victims/survivors. 

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 20 experienced human trafficking service providers and 13 DMST victims/survivors. Most of the service providers surveyed worked in the field of anti-trafficking full-time (n=17; 85.0%). Primary employment duties were not mutually exclusive and included advocacy (65%; n=13), case management (45%; n=9), education (35%; n=7), criminal justice (20%; n=4), and mental health (25%; n=5). Survivor participants ranged in age from 29 to 66 years (M=40.8, SD=10.2). The majority of survivor participants self identified as White (n=10; 76.9%), with 23.1% (n=3) self-identifying as non-White/multi-racial.  All survivor participants either had contact with the child welfare system (n=4; 30.8%), the juvenile justice system (n=1; 7.7%), or both (n=8; 61.5%). 

In-depth individual interviews were conducted with all participants using a semi-structured interview guide. Average interview length was approximately two hours. Methods to enhance the rigor of the research included an audit trail, expert feedback on interview guides, and member-checking. The risk and resiliency framework and life course theory informed the preliminary coding scheme. Two expert service provider consultants independently reviewed the preliminary coding scheme to ensure themes and constructs of interest were appropriately represented. Following this coding plan, two research team members independently reviewed each interview transcript. Coding discrepancies among the team were resolved through mutual discussion and agreement.

Findings: Results revealed three overarching themes, including IRs: (1) as a risk factor; (2) as a protective factor; and (3) fostering resiliency. Service providers and survivors noted that healthy caregiver relationships were protective against initial and/or renewed sexual exploitation. Conversely, unhealthy caregiver relationships- particularly early sexual abuse - may elevate a child’s risk for sexual exploitation. The types of IRs that may foster resiliency varied across participant groups; however, participants agreed that IRs have a profound impact on a survivor’s successful re-entry into their chosen communities. Non-traditional interpersonal relationships- including “online” relationships- were discussed. The wide variation in the types of meaningful IRs across a survivors lifespan highlights the extreme variability of the relationships present in the lives of DMST victims/survivors.

Conclusions and Implications: This study uniquely explores service provider and victim/survivor perspectives regarding the role of IRs in the lives of system-involved DMST victims/survivors. Accordingly, findings from the current study provide a context for understanding IRs in the lives of DMST victims/survivors and point in directions for future intervention development. Clinical and research implications will be discussed.