More than just rescue: Thinking beyond exploitation to creating assessment strategies for child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation

Author: McIntyre, Bonnie

Abstract: Child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) are in need of comprehensive assessment as a critical first step to providing assistance post-exploitation. This article presents a conceptual analysis based on ecological system theories and concepts for the initial assessment of child survivors of CSE and trafficking upon exit from exploitation. It is based on the example of real-life practice through a residential aftercare setting providing care to female child survivors in Indonesia in addition to best practices from work in Cambodia. Assessment is conducted within two domains of the life of the survivor: her trafficking experience and her social environment.

Keywords: human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, assessment