Sex Trafficking in India: The Role of Formal and Informal Support Providers

It is estimated that millions of women and children have experienced sex trafficking (ST) in India. The adverse mental and physical health outcomes and negative social impacts of ST are well established. Due to this, there are significant efforts to develop support services for ST survivors. However, support providers must navigate the multileveled framework of the Indian sex industry to reach ST survivors and provide treatment. Few studies have evaluated support services for survivors of ST across South Asia, nor have the experiences of anti-human trafficking stakeholders working in India been examined. Study one utilized scoping review methods to identify and synthesize the available evidence on rehabilitative interventions for survivors of ST in South Asia. Eight databases were searched from June to August 2020 for relevant peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2020. Of the 130 identified studies, six met the inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted in India and Nepal, and predominately used group and individual therapy. Two of the studies utilized evidence-based treatments. The lack of evidence underscores the need for rigorous evaluations of rehabilitative intervention efforts and the absence of standardized practices for survivors of ST. Using qualitative methods and Ecological Systems Theory, Study two identifies the multilevel factors influencing anti-human trafficking professionals’ ability to address the needs of ST survivors. Thirteen anti-human trafficking professionals in India participated in individual interviews. Professionals faced challenges and barriers in their work, including societal level factors, government, and justice systems issues, community distrust, and reported mistreatment of ST survivors. The results point to areas in which ST prevention efforts could be increased and demonstrate professionals’ need for additional support. Study three examined the role of informal networks that support anti-trafficking stakeholders in India using qualitative Grounded Theory methods. A total of 15 autorickshaw drivers familiar with the sex work industry in India participated in in-depth interviews. A model depicting autorickshaw drivers’ roles in the sex work industry was developed. The results provide direction for anti-human trafficking prevention efforts and highlight the need for cross-collaborative efforts across all actors within the sex work industry in India

Anti-human Trafficking Service Professionals in India: Challenges and Barriers to Service Provision

Sex trafficking (ST) interventions in India typically follow the “three R’s”–rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Anti-human trafficking service organizations (AHTSOs) play an essential role in implementing the “three Rs,” influencing India’s anti-trafficking policy and aid for trafficking survivors. However, few investigations have explored AHTSOs professionals’ perceptions of their roles and the multilevel factors that influence their ability to address the needs of ST survivors in India. Thirteen Indian professionals participated in this study. Through the use of in-depth individual interviews, professionals discussed the challenges and barriers to their work. The findings of the study reflect that number of challenges and barriers faced by professionals when working with ST survivors included societal level factors such as ST stigma, apathy toward learning about ST, issues within the government and justice systems as well as distrust of AHTSOs and mistreatment of ST survivors. The results point to important areas of intervention to prevent the trafficking of girls and women in India, and further highlight the need for additional support for Indian professionals working with these survivors.Florida International University18 month embargo; published online: 10 May 2022This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Prevention of child sexual abuse in the USA: a scoping review protocol of US legislative policies

Introduction Child sexual abuse (CSA) poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of children in the USA and globally. Many states have introduced or implemented policies to address and prevent CSA, but little research has linked the effects of this legislation on the reduction of adult-perpetrated CSA. The objective of this scoping review is to identify US policies which aim to prevent CSA, explain the components of these types of legislation, review evidence of effectiveness, describe the populations included in the literature, and identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of said policies.Methods and analysis This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and will use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. Sources of peer-reviewed evidence from January 2000 to July 2023 will be included. Relevant publications will first be searched in PubMed/MEDLINE database, then 25 other databases. The reference lists of included studies and high-yield journals will be hand searched. Articles which focus on the types of CSA prevention policies and their effects will be included. Studies must clearly demonstrate a connection between policies and CSA outcomes. Title, abstract, full-text screening and extraction will be completed by a team of three researchers. Critical appraisal of the included studies will be performed. Extracted data will be displayed in tabular form and a narrative summary will describe the results of the review.Ethics and dissemination This scoping review will provide an extensive overview of legislative policies which aim to prevent CSA in the USA. Results of this review will inform future CSA prevention policies in the USA, particularly regarding policy development, evaluation and implementation. Results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication