Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC): Treatment & Recovery from a Service Provider's Perspective Pubblico

Hurd, Katharine Head (2012)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/6h440s769?locale=it
Published

Abstract


Introduction: Out of the various forms of violent maltreatment performed against
children, the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is one of the most
concealed (Rand, 2009) but exceedingly common. In order to address a gap in current
research, this study proposed to investigate comprehensive service programs for
commercially sexually exploited children and these programs' success through service
provider feedback. This study aimed to explore how therapeutic treatment services in
metro Atlanta influence recovery for survivors of exploitation and
what makes these treatment services successful. Guided by the DOI,
the study also aimed to identify previous practices as well as the
characteristics of current programs in Georgia.

Theoretical Framework: Diffusion of Innovations


Methods: Ten service providers were recruited for in-depth interviews. Service providers
were defined by two criteria: 1. They are employed by a program which provides services
to CSEC survivors; 2. They support CSEC survivors receiving services in a residential
treatment setting. Data was analyzed and coded for recurring themes.


Results: In general, four main themes were identified. These themes included: residential treatment, holistic
services, individualized treatment, and movement toward success.


Conclusion: Through interviewing service providers, it is evident that recovery is a
process that occurs over time, with ultimate success being that a survivor is not re-
exploited. Effective treatment means recognizing and meeting the survivor at her present
emotional stage. Some girls may not be ready for all of the comprehensive services that
residential treatment provides. However, comprehensive services assist all parts of the individual
and need to be individually tailored, whether in an outpatient or residential facility, and
have the capacity to change as a survivor progresses through treatment and recovery.

Table of Contents


Table of Contents

I. Introduction………………………………………………………………………..1
a. Theoretical Framework……………………………………………………2
b. Purpose of the Study………………………………………………………3
II. Review of the Literature…………………………………………………………..5
a. CSEC Definition and Frequency………………………………………….5
b. The CSEC Network……………………………………………………….6
c. Characteristics of CSEC Victims………………………………………….7
d. Pimps, the Recruiters……………………………………………………...9
e. CSEC Patrons……………………………………………………………10
f. CSEC and the Law……………………………………………………….10
g. Effects of CSEC on the Victims…………………………………………12
h. Treatment of CSEC Survivors…………………………………………...13
i. Diffusion of Innovations…………………………………………………14
j. Atlanta and CSEC………………………………………………………..16
III. Methodology……………………………………………………………………..18
a. Participants……………………………………………………………….18
b. Measures…………………………………………………………………19
c. Procedures………………………………………………………………..20
d. Analysis………………………………………………………………….21
IV. Results……………………………………………………………………………22
a. Question 1: How do therapeutic treatment services influence recovery for
CSEC survivors?........................................................................................22


b. Question 2: What makes treatment services successful?...........................24
c. Question 3: What previous practices have been implemented for CSEC
survivors?...................................................................................................26
d. Question 4: What is the relative advantage of using comprehensive
therapeutic services over other treatment services?...................................28
e. Question 5: How are therapeutic services compatible with the CSEC
survivors receiving them?..........................................................................30
f. Question 6: What aspects of comprehensive therapeutic treatment
programs are particularly complex and affect implementation?................32
V. Discussion………………………………………………………………………..35
a. Findings………………………………………………………………….35
i. Question 1: How do therapeutic treatment services influence
recovery for CSEC survivors?.......................................................35
ii. Question 2: What makes treatment services successful?...............36
iii. Question 3: What previous practices have been implemented for
CSEC survivors?............................................................................37
iv. Question 4: What is the relative advantage of using comprehensive
therapeutic services over other treatment services?.......................38
v. Question 5: How are therapeutic services compatible with the
CSEC survivors receiving them?...................................................39
vi. Question 6: What aspects of comprehensive therapeutic treatment
programs are particularly complex and affect implementation?....40
b. Conclusions………………………………………………………………42

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