Life Histories of Adults Initiated into Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Early Life Stages

Background and Purpose: Very young children only a few months or years old who are unable to protect themselves or express their concerns have been known to experience commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in the United States. Yet, significantly less is known about the experiences of children initiated into CSE prior to age 11 which complicates efforts to stop early onset exploitation. This study sought to fill this critical gap in knowledge by identifying common patterns and variations in the life histories of adults who experienced CSE prior to the age 11.

Methods: A narrative approach was used to conduct semi-structured interviews at two and three timepoints with 10 participants whose CSE began at age 10 and below. Interviews were conducted via Zoom and demographic questionnaires were self-administered via Qualtrics between September and November 2023. A community-based participatory research approach, including a community advisory board comprised of five lived experience experts, was used to guide the study from design through dissemination. Life course theory and structural intersectionality were guiding theoretical frameworks. Reflective thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of and variations in context-specific dynamics and systems of oppression that contributed to exploitation at early life stages.

Results: Most participants identified as cis women and on average were 38 years old. Six participants identified their primary traffickers as a biological family member, two participants were trafficked by a step or adoptive caregiver, and two participants were trafficked by a sitter/daycare provider. The average age of CSE onset was 4.78 years and on average it lasted for 11.33 years. Six themes were identified: (1) Stolen identities and isolated childhoods; (2) Hidden lives amid severe, chronic abuse; (3) Indifferent to bad to worse family dynamics; (4) Structural oppression: Churches, cults, and patriarchy; (5) Surviving complex trauma; and (6) In the pursuit of justice. CSE influenced participants’ sense of self, identities, and subsequent behaviors and development across the life course. Surviving chaotic and unpredictable childhoods that included caregivers’ severe mental illness and chronic abuse required a range of cognitive, somatic, and behavioral responses. These responses included dissociation, disordered eating, and self-injurious behaviors, and accompanied other coping strategies such as writing, reading, and engaging in other pleasurable and age-appropriate activities. Despite ongoing violence and abuse, participants were not offered services after exiting CSE and traffickers were never prosecuted. Still, these participants displayed a strong commitment to help prevent and stop future child exploitation.

Conclusions and Implications: This is the first study to center the experiences of adults initiated into CSE at very young ages (i.e., at or before age 10) and to use a community-engaged approach to do so. Findings revealed that very young children are exploited by family, caregivers, and trusted adults that are known to the child. Future research should focus on policies and interventions aimed at effective screening practices as well as supportive interventions once a child has exited from CSE.