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Correlates of Youth Sex Trafficking in the United States: The Role of the Environment in Shaping Vulnerability and Demand

  • Mary Twis*
  • , Andrea N. Cimino
  • , Marilyn Plunk
  • , Ashley Mendenhall
  • , Gibran Mancus
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explores potential correlates of youth sex trafficking (YST) within the exosystem and macrosystem of the social-ecological model (SEM). A literature review of studies (n = 25) published between 2012 and 2024 identified factors linked to YST vulnerability and demand, including factors related to land use, concentrated disadvantage, the digital environment, and the built and social environment. Protective factors in the exosystem and macrosystem, such as strong community ties and anti-trafficking education and legislation, were also noted. Findings highlight the need for broader research on environmental predictors of YST, as predictive variables have the capacity to inform YST prevention strategies.

Original languageEnglish
JournalTrauma, Violence, and Abuse
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  2. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

  • adolescent victims
  • child abuse
  • community violence
  • prostitution/sex work
  • sexual assault
  • youth violence

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