Domestic minor sex trafficking among adjudicated male youth: prevalence and links to treatment

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the sexual exploitation of citizens (or lawful residents) of the United States, aged 18 or younger. DMST victims are diverse in age, race, and socioeconomic status, and are especially vulnerable. Most victims have a history of abuse and neglect, and many have had contact with the juvenile justice system. This exploratory study examines DMST prevalence, as well as potential risk factors for DMST involvement among a unique population of adjudicated male youth. Secondary data analysis was conducted with data collected from 800 adjudicated male youth using standardized measures including the Million Adolescent Clinical Inventory and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the relationships between the probability of DMST involvement and substance misuse, childhood sexual abuse, and levels of sexual discomfort. Results revealed that substance misuse and childhood sexual abuse were significantly positively associated with the probability of DMST victimization; however, sexual discomfort was significantly negatively associated with the probability of DMST victimization. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. •We present an exploratory study of DMST among adjudicate male youth.•Secondary data analysis was used to explore prevalence and risk factors for DMST.•Binary logistic regression was used to examine probabilities of DMST victimization.•Child sexual abuse and substance misuse were associated with DMST victimization.•Implications for DMST research and practice are discussed.