A Preliminary Assessment of “Framework for Addressing Re-Traumatization of Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)” based on Stakeholder Input Público
Lakshman, Maya (Spring 2019)
Published
Abstract
Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) experience severe mental and emotional trauma, as well as re-traumatization due to the repetition of distressing experiences to multiple professionals. The system that is currently in place to address survivors’ mental health needs is limited and does not take re-traumatization into account. A multi-disciplinary framework was created by the principal investigator to display specific ways that law enforcement, clinicians, and social workers can collaborate with one another. The purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility of implementing this framework designed to reduce re-traumatization among survivors of CSEC.
Focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were utilized to explore the perspectives of four groups of stakeholders on the framework, as well as determine the changes that should be made to the framework to increase feasibility and effectiveness. From November 2018 to January 2019, three mixed FGDs and three IDIs were conducted. Law enforcement, clinicians, social workers, and survivors were recruited for the FGDs, and survivors were recruited for the IDIs. The FGDs were used to generate group conversation regarding the feasibility of the four parts of the framework and the effect the framework would have on reducing re-traumatization. The IDIs were informed by results from the FGDs and focused on attaining adult CSEC survivors’ perspectives on the framework.
The majority of stakeholders believed that the framework could effectively reduce re-traumatization among CSEC survivors because of its promotion of inter-professional collaboration. They proposed various suggestions that were integrated into a revised framework, such as the creation of consistent, case-by-case protocols for professionals, allocation of resources toward ensuring mandated therapy attendance, and an alert and contact system for collaboration during data sharing. Survivors also provided suggestions for a more survivor-centered framework.
The findings of this project indicate the importance of studying re-traumatization of CSEC survivors and affirm the need for a comprehensive framework. The findings additionally provide insight into the resources currently available in Georgia and the ways that a framework such as this one could be implemented. The findings serve as the foundation for future collaboration and research on the ways that each part of the framework can be implemented. The stakeholder perspectives documented in this project may be transferable to other counties and states, and can be used to improve available mental health resources for CSEC survivors. The results will be used to guide pilot implementation of the framework.
Table of Contents
Narrative 1
Definitions 3
Introduction 8
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children 8
CSEC, Trauma, and Mental Health 9
Limitations of Current Mental Health Resources 9
Proposed Framework 11
Theoretical Foundations 11
Purpose of this Project 13
Literature Review 15
An Overview of CSEC in the United States 15
Risk Factors for CSEC 17
Recruitment of CSEC Victims 20
Trauma 21
Mental Health Consequences of CSEC 24
Stigma 27
Mental Health Resources Currently Available for CSEC Survivors 28
Re-Traumatization of Survivors of CSEC 30
Gaps in the System: What Needs to be Done? 31
Conclusion 34
Methods 35
Setting 35
Study Ethics and Informed Consent 35
Research Methods 36
CIs 39
FGDs 40
IDIs 41
Data Management and Analysis 42
Results 46
Protocols for Interagency Data Sharing 47
Type of Data Reported 47
Alert and Contact System 49
Implementation 51
Training Priorities for Stakeholders 51
Victim and Risk Factor Identification 53
Consistent, Up-to-Date Protocols 55
Survivor-Informed Trainings 57
Trainings for Foster Parents 58
Therapy for Survivors and their Families 59
Court-Mandated Attendance to Therapy 60
Therapy for Guardians 62
Referrals and Risk Evaluation 63
Foster Placements for Survivors 64
Potential Impact of Framework on Stakeholders 65
Benefits 65
Re-Traumatization 67
Challenges 68
Elements of Survivor-Centered Care 70
Trauma-Informed Focus 70
An Environment of Trust: Reclaiming Power and Control 72
Survivor Involvement in the Framework 74
Conclusion 75
Discussion 76
Effects on Re-Traumatization 89
Limitations and Strengths 90
Conclusion and Implications 91
References 94
Appendices 104
I: Semi-structured Focus Group Discussion Guide 104
II: Semi-structured In-Depth Interview Guide 107
III: FGD and IDI Combined Coding Tree 110
IV: FGD and IDI Combined Codebook 112
V: Framework for Addressing Re-Traumatization Among Survivors 126
of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
VI: Framework for Addressing Re-Traumatization Among Survivors 127
of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)-Revised (1)
VII: Framework for Addressing Re-Traumatization Among Survivors 128
of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)-Revised (2)
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