Risk factors for sex trafficking of domestic minors: An umbrella review of recent international literature

Abstract

Purpose

The sex trafficking of domestic minors remains a major problem despite the many laws designed to protect them. This risk has expanded to an unprecedented scale through the Internet and social networks. However, there are no reliable data on prevalence.

Methods

The authors carried out an umbrella review of the literature on the risk of sexual exploitation among young people by conducting a narrative analysis of the six most recent literature reviews.

Results

A strong congruence among sociodemographic, economic, and family factors was identified. The review was useful in highlighting the complexity of the process of recruitment and retention in prostitution, and in reflecting on protection strategies for young people.

Discussion

There is a debate about whether girls are at greater risk than boys, but all authors agree that the age group most at risk is young people aged 12 to 14. However, no author links this to their adolescence, or considers the impact of this phase of development on the potential risk behaviors of these young people. The main finding of contemporary studies is the negative involvement of intermediary institutions such as schools and welfare services. However, these authors did not use these data in their recommendations. This should be a priority in future prevention programs.