A State-Level Analysis of Demographic Characteristics and Sex Trafficking Experiences of Survivors

Author: Nichols, Andrea; Preble, Kathleen & Cox, Ashley

Abstract: Demographic trends of sex trafficking are understudied in Midwestern regions of the United States and in state-level analyses. The aim of the current statewide study is threefold: to examine the provider-reported 1) demographic characteristics of identified survivors (i.e., race/ethnicity, gender identity, social class, sexuality, region of origin, and age), 2) forms of sex trafficking experienced (i.e., survival sex, intimate partner, familial, manager-facilitated), and 3) relationship between demographic characteristics and the different forms of sex trafficking experienced. Drawing from a larger study examining survey responses of 107 social, healthcare, and legal service providers, respondents reported working with 422 survivors of human trafficking accessing services in a Midwestern state in the previous 12 months, including survivors of sex trafficking (n = 349, 82.7%), sex/labor trafficking combined (n = 53, 12.6%), and labor trafficking (n = 20, 4.7%). The current study focuses on provider-reported data specifically related to sex trafficking and sex/labor trafficking combined. Results indicate disproportionate victimization by race/ethnicity, age, sexuality, gender identity, region, and social class. Providers indicated sex trafficking was most commonly experienced within the contexts of an intimate partner relationship (n = 134, 28%) or survival sex (n = 102, 22%). Sex/labor trafficking combined most commonly involved sexual labor trafficking in massage parlors (n = 40, 70%). Implications for micro, mezzo, and macro-level practice to address identity-based oppression and precursors to trafficking as indicated by the results are provided.

Keywords: human trafficking, sex trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, state level analysis, demographics