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Mercera G, Noteboom F, Timmermans C, Leijdesdorff S, Heynen E, van Amelsvoort T. Sexual exploitation of young men: Background characteristics and needs from a life-course perspective. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 152:106794. [PMID: 38636156 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually exploited young men are prevalent, yet underrepresented in clinical practice, policy and research. There are multiple barriers that often prevent young men to disclose and to seek or receive support, such as gender norms, limited awareness of victimization and feelings of guilt and shame. OBJECTIVE By gaining more insight into the background characteristics of young men who experienced sexual exploitation and their needs, this study aims to raise awareness and to better inform policymakers, care- and educational professionals on adequate prevention and intervention efforts. METHODS Twenty-six young men (age 14-32) who experienced sexual exploitation or other forms of sexual violence in their youth or were at high-risk, participated in this qualitative study that was conducted in The Netherlands. By means of semi-structured interviews and case-file analyses, data was collected to identify risk and protective factors in their life-course and support needs. RESULTS Several vulnerabilities (e.g. previous experiences of abuse and neglect, household dysfunction, social rejection, running away, substance use) and a lack of positive and supportive relationships led young men into high-risk situations. Among these were involvement in pay dates, criminality and having to survive from day to day, which contributed to victimization. Prevailing gender norms and experiences of stigmatization were often a barrier to express vulnerabilities and to disclose victimization. There was a wide variety in support needs, including peer-to-peer support, therapy, support with day-to-day practices and anonymous support. CONCLUSIONS These results will contribute to adequate prevention and trauma-informed intervention strategies that meet the unique needs of young men at risk for, or victim of sexual exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriëlle Mercera
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Vijverdalseweg 1, 6226 NB Maastricht, the Netherlands; Koraal, Poststraat 1, 6135 KR Sittard, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank Noteboom
- Stichting Fier, Holstmeerweg 1, 8936 AS Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Sophie Leijdesdorff
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Vijverdalseweg 1, 6226 NB Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Evelyn Heynen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Open University, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, the Netherlands.
| | - Thérèse van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Vijverdalseweg 1, 6226 NB Maastricht, the Netherlands; Koraal, Poststraat 1, 6135 KR Sittard, the Netherlands.
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Nodzenski M, Davis J. Frontline support services for boys who have experienced child sexual exploitation: A thematic review of survey data from seven countries. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 142:106077. [PMID: 36764889 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) affects all children, but research on the needs and experiences of boys is lacking, support services are limited, and workers lack specialized training to meet their specific needs. This paper explores the perspectives and experiences of 404 Frontline Support Workers providing services to children with CSEA experiences in seven countries, considering trends and implications for boys. A mixed-methods online survey of 121 questions explores characteristics of cases, perceived vulnerabilities, and gender-based challenges in CSEA response. A descriptive analysis of survey data, disaggregated by country, was conducted, allowing for a discussion of broad themes and trends. Despite differences, participants described similar vulnerabilities for boys across these contexts, including poverty as well as sex and sexuality-related taboos, stigmas, and other gendered beliefs, which were perceived to not only increase vulnerability to CSEA but also complicate disclosure in all countries. The implications of these findings on service delivery and recommendations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Nodzenski
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Jarrett Davis
- up! International, Schwanengasse 1, 3011, Bern, Switzerland.
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Kavenagh M, Hua N, Wekerle C. Sexual exploitation of children: Barriers for boys in accessing social supports for victimization. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 142:106129. [PMID: 36925353 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global evidence regarding sexual exploitation of children (SEC) is expanding, however, the majority of research continues to focus on girls. ECPAT International's Global Boys Initiative is a major contribution to broadening knowledge by exploring how sexual exploitation impacts boys specifically. OBJECTIVE This discussion paper explores data from the initiative to better understand how boys and children of all genders may be impacted by sexual exploitation. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING During 2019-21, research was undertaken by ECPAT member organizations into the sexual exploitation of boys in 10 primarily low-and-middle income countries globally. The initiative also supported a global systematic scoping review of published and gray literature published in this issue (Moss et al., in press). METHODS Gender norms analysis of Initiative data identifies critical thematic issues impairing access to support services for victimized boys. RESULTS Most disconcerting is gender-based stigmatization from services that can compound children's trauma. Justice-based, rather than trauma-informed models of support predominate in responses for boys. Legal frameworks create barriers when binary gendered terminology defines sexual violence, thereby excluding anyone other than women and girls from protection. CONCLUSIONS Three solutions emerged to improve access to support for more children affected by sexual exploitation: (1) challenge problematic gender norms and consequent practices, such as gendered terminology in legislation, that create barriers for boys and gender-diverse children; (2) create psychologically, emotionally, and physically safe circumstances (i.e. trauma-informed care) for all children to know help-seeking is possible; and (3) undertake proactive support that specifically connects boys and gender-diverse children to therapeutic services like drop-in centers, night-time counseling, and emergency shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Hua
- McMaster University, Departments of Pediatrics & Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christine Wekerle
- McMaster University, Departments of Pediatrics & Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, South Africa
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Moss C, Smith SJ, Kim K, Hua N, Noronha N, Kavenagh M, Wekerle C. A global systematic scoping review of literature on the sexual exploitation of boys. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 142:106244. [PMID: 37244784 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual exploitation of children (SEC) is a widespread crime which impacts the child victim across developmental, health and well-being domains. As victims, boys have received much less clinical and research attention. While context-specific factors likely shape the SEC risk, under-recognized gender norms can deny boys' vulnerability. Professional failures to recognize and respond adequately to boys' sexual exploitation may prevent access to support. OBJECTIVE This systematic scoping review updates and broadens a previous review of literature addressing prevalence, victim/offender/facilitator characteristics, control mechanisms, as well as the health correlates and outcomes regarding sexual exploitation of boys. This review included international peer-reviewed and gray literature from 38 countries in 14 languages. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Studies from the years 2000 to 2022 that included samples of boys under age 18, or sex-disaggregated data for children under 18, were included. Case studies, systematic reviews, and those reporting on retrospective experiences by adults over 18 were excluded. A total of 254,744 boys were represented across 81 studies. METHODS A systematic scoping review considered qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed publications from eight, English-language databases. English and non-English non-peer reviewed publications ('gray literature') was identified by both ECPAT International's global network of member organizations and citation chaining. RESULTS Overall, 81 peer-reviewed (n = 51) and gray literature (n = 30) documents from 38 countries were included. In total, 254,744 youth participated in peer-reviewed studies (N = 217,726) and gray literature (N = 37,018). General prevalence of sexual exploitation of boys was reported at up to 5 %, with higher rates noted in specifically vulnerable sub-populations (e.g., 10 %, trans youth; 26 %, street-connected youth). The literature indicates that sexual exploitation of boys is reported as occurring primarily between 12 and 18 years old. Multi-level factors are linked to SEC, including individual (e.g., disability status), relationship (e.g., child maltreatment, dating violence), community (e.g., community violence), and societal domains (e.g., discriminatory beliefs). SEC victimization is linked with youth mental and physical health concerns, particularly sexual health. Post-traumatic stress symptomatology or disorder was rarely evaluated. Evidence-based treatments were not available, which may be related to a lack of gender-based theoretical models for understanding SEC specifically. CONCLUSION The sexual exploitation of boys is a prevalent public health, child rights, and clinical issue. All young people experiencing sexual exploitation face sex- and gender-specific challenges, and this remains the case for boys with indications including family rejection, implicit community tolerance for abuse to service accessibility barriers. Actioning our duty to care for all children requires gender- and trauma-informed lenses. Ongoing surveillance of all forms of violence against children, with gender disaggregation, is essential for practice and policy advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Moss
- McMaster University, Department of Pediatrics, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Savanah Jordan Smith
- McMaster University, Offord Centre for Child Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Kim
- University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Hua
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Noella Noronha
- McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Hamilton, ON, Canada; McMaster University, School of Interdisciplinary Science, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Christine Wekerle
- McMaster University, Department of Pediatrics, Hamilton, ON, Canada; McMaster University, Offord Centre for Child Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Quarshie ENB. Boys should not be overlooked: Sexual violence victimization and associated factors among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 120:105227. [PMID: 34352684 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent sexual violence victimization is still less researched in countries within sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. OBJECTIVES To estimate the 12-month prevalence of sexual violence victimization and describe the differences and commonalities in the associated factors between school-going boys and girls in urban Ghana. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Students (n = 1692) aged 13-19 years attending Second Cycle Schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana participated in this study. METHODS This is a cross-sectional survey involving the use of a self-report anonymous questionnaire. Items measuring sexual violence victimization and correlates were adopted from the 2012 WHO-Global School-based Student Health Survey. Data analysis involved bivariable and multivariable approaches. RESULTS Overall, 17.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.7, 19.4) adolescents (males = 10.4% [95% CI 8.3, 13.6]; females = 24.3% [95% CI 21.5, 27.3]) reported sexual violence victimization during the previous 12 months. Girls (compared to boys) were nearly three times more likely to report sexual violence victimization (aOR = 2.74, 95% CI 2.01, 3.74, p < 0.001). Breakup, sexual minority status, and conflict with parents were uniquely associated with sexual violence victimization among females. Regardless of gender, adolescents who were in a romantic relationship (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.19, 2.24, p = 0.002) and reported physical abuse victimization (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.36, 2.49, p < 0.001) were more likely to report sexual violence victimization. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of sexual violence victimization among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana compares with estimates from sub-Saharan Africa, but also warrants the need for universal and targeted prevention regimes against the offence in both boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.
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Abstract
Human trafficking and child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in particular are global public health issues with widespread, lasting impacts on children, families, and communities. Traditionally, human trafficking has been treated as a law enforcement problem with an emphasis on the arrest and prosecution of traffickers. However, use of a public health approach focuses efforts on those impacted by exploitation: trafficked persons, their families, and the population at large. It promotes strategies to build a solid scientific evidence base that allows development, implementation, and evaluation of prevention and intervention efforts, informs policy and program development, and guides international efforts at eradication. This article uses the public health approach to address human trafficking, with a focus on child sex trafficking and exploitation. Recommendations are made for public health professionals to contribute to antitrafficking efforts globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Greenbaum
- International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA; .,Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA
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Josenhans V, Kavenagh M, Smith S, Wekerle C. Gender, rights and responsibilities: The need for a global analysis of the sexual exploitation of boys. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104291. [PMID: 31806378 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child confirmed child and youth rights globally. Their right to participation is a critical driver for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth prioritize the need to end violence against them, charging adults with safeguarding, and identify gender inequality as an underlying cause of child sexual exploitation (CSE). SDG 5 includes targets for ending sexual exploitation of girls; however, it is critical to review whether we are supporting both boys and girls adequately. Based on recent research, it is clear that male victims of CSE are prevalent, yet they have been relatively excluded in policy, research, and interventions. The aim is not to minimize the importance of understanding and eliminating CSE of girls, but to acknowledge that vulnerable sub-groups of boys exist in community (street-connected boys, refugees, sexual minorities) and service systems (justice, child welfare, humanitarian aid). Gender-based challenges persist in protection, disclosure, help-seeking, professional recognition, programming and prevention. In this discussion article, we outline responsibilities in human rights law to understand and address boys' CSE and overview key literature on its impact on boys. It is argued that gender-, trauma-, and violence-informed approaches are expanded to address the contribution of harmful gender norms, and to target prevention in the adolescent years for sexually transmitted infections, mental health, and substance abuse and violence problems. This discussion advances a pressing need for a global analysis of CSE among boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Josenhans
- ECPAT International, 328/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Mark Kavenagh
- ECPAT International, 328/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand.
| | - Savanah Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Buller AM, Pichon M, McAlpine A, Cislaghi B, Heise L, Meiksin R. Systematic review of social norms, attitudes, and factual beliefs linked to the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 104:104471. [PMID: 32371213 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in the role of social norms in perpetuating the harmful practice of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (SECA), little is known about the state of the literature on this issue. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to summarize what associated norms, attitudes and factual beliefs have been identified by the SECA literature worldwide. METHODS Multiple database searches were conducted using controlled vocabulary and keywords referring to SECA. RESULTS Our searches identified 3690 unique references. After applying our exclusion criteria, 49 studies, including over 14,000 participants from 37 countries and most world regions, were included. Across studies we identified six injunctive norms perpetuating SECA: owning goods as a social status marker ; being sexually active; exchanging sex for favors; contributing financially to the household; stigma and discrimination against young people who experienced SECA; and lack of social sanctions for SECA perpetrators. These norms were supported by enhanced tolerance of SECA when it involved older or more physically developed adolescents and when it occurred in poverty-affected contexts. Beliefs around markers that denote adolescents' readiness for sex; men's entitlement to sex; and the perceived benefits of intergenerational relationships, also contributed to the maintenance and reproduction of SECA. Findings from all regions suggested that marginalized young people are particularly vulnerable to SECA. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to reduce SECA must consider individual, social, and structural factors and how they interrelate. Context-specific social norms interventions are needed to address harmful norms, promote protective norms, and improve services for those who have experienced SECA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Buller
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Marjorie Pichon
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Alys McAlpine
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Beniamino Cislaghi
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Lori Heise
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, Room E4644, Baltimore, MA, 21205, USA.
| | - Rebecca Meiksin
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
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Grosso A, Busch S, Mothopeng T, Sweitzer S, Nkonyana J, Mpooa N, Taruberekera N, Baral S. HIV risks and needs related to the Sustainable Development Goals among female sex workers who were commercially sexually exploited as children in Lesotho. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 21 Suppl 1. [PMID: 29485709 PMCID: PMC5978702 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) about gender equality; decent work; and peace, justice, and strong institutions include a focus on eradicating trafficking and sexual exploitation of and violence against women and children. In Lesotho, 86% of women have experienced gender‐based violence. In addition, overall HIV prevalence is among the highest globally, and higher among adolescent girls than boys. Moreover, nearly three quarters of female sex workers (FSW) are estimated to be living with HIV in Lesotho. In this context, sexually exploited children may be particularly vulnerable to violence and HIV acquisition risks. This study's objective is to examine the prevalence and correlates of experiencing sexual exploitation as a child among FSW in Lesotho. Methods FSW (≥18 years) recruited through respondent‐driven sampling in Maseru and Maputsoe from February to September 2014 completed HIV and syphilis testing and an interviewer‐administered survey, including a question about the age at which they started providing sex for money. This study examined correlates of experiencing sexual exploitation as a child (<18 years) through multivariable logistic regression analyses for each city, controlling for current age. Results Across both cities, 20.0% (142/710) of participants were sexually exploited as children. Among them, 65.5% (93/142) tested positive for HIV and 31.0% (44/142) for syphilis, which was similar to those who started selling sex as adults, after adjusting for current age. Participants who experienced child sexual exploitation were more likely to have been forced to have sex before age 18 than those who started selling sex as adults (Maseru‐adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.61 to 7.66, p = 0.002; Maputsoe‐aOR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.22 to 15.75, p = 0.023). In Maseru, participants who were sexually exploited as children were more likely to avoid carrying condoms to prevent trouble with police (aOR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.50 to 6.75, p = 0.003). Conclusions Risk determinants for HIV and violence among sexually exploited children can be studied retrospectively through research with adult FSW. Further research working directly with sexually exploited children will improve understanding of their needs. Preventing commercial sexual exploitation of children and addressing the social and healthcare needs of those who are exploited are necessary to fully achieve SDGs 5, 8 and 16 and an AIDS‐Free Generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Grosso
- Public Health Solutions, Research and Evaluation Unit, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shianne Busch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Sweitzer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Nkomile Mpooa
- Care for Basotho, Maseru, Lesotho.,Care-Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Moynihan M, Mitchell K, Pitcher C, Havaei F, Ferguson M, Saewyc E. A systematic review of the state of the literature on sexually exploited boys internationally. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 76:440-451. [PMID: 29245141 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review assessed the current state of the literature on sexually exploited boys internationally. We aimed to describe what is known about sexual exploitation of boys, identify gaps in the literature, provide implications for practice, and make recommendations for future research. Multiple database searches were conducted using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords to capture child and adolescent sexual exploitation. Our search identified 11,099 unique references and excluded studies that did not include male participants less than 18 years old or disaggregate results by relevant age groups and/or by sex. This review identified 42 studies from 23 countries, providing evidence that sexual exploitation of boys is an issue in both high- and low-income countries. Seventeen articles had sexual exploitation as their primary variable of interest, the majority of which sampled boys who accessed services (i.e., shelters, health care, social, and justice services). Boys' experiences of sexual exploitation varied in terms of venue, exploiters, and compensation. Compared to their non-sexually exploited peers, sexually exploited boys more commonly reported experiences of child abuse, substance use, conduct problems, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Despite increasing evidence that boys are sexually exploited around the world, the current literature provides limited data about the antecedents, sequelae, and the specific features of sexual exploitation experiences among boys. Further research is needed to inform, policy, social services and health care delivery specific to the needs of sexually exploited boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Moynihan
- Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T222-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Katherine Mitchell
- Department of Adolescent Health and Medicine, University of British Columbia, V2-203, 948 W 28 Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Claire Pitcher
- Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T222-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Farinaz Havaei
- Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T222-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Max Ferguson
- Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T222-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Saewyc
- Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T222-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
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