The author wrote this paper for the Spring 2018 course, Global Perspectives on Women and Gender (WMS330.61). Dr. Sharon Jacobson was the instructor.
Female Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) is a global epidemic requiring awareness and attention. Studies from a spectrum of human trafficking subtopics: human rights, sex trafficking, its female predominance, DMST, region, policies, stigma, ambiguity of terminology, and vulnerable populations, connect and examine the issue from a global perspective on women and gender to its manifestation in the United States and New York State. Participants in the studies include juveniles, representatives of non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, and public officials. Measurements of risk in minors and girls, results of at-risk minors’ participation in psychoeducational groups, and attitudes of first responders, social workers, and policy makers, assisted conclusions and implications of this research. The findings demonstrate that stigma associated with DMST perpetuates the problem, young girls are particularly vulnerable to DMST, social construction that sexualizes girls and gender disparity in treatment of victims heightens their risk, demand fuels exploitation of girls, and laws contradict solutions. DMST can be prevented and victims rehabilitated through research, education, language and attitude changes, improved laws and enforcement, social work and human services that address minors at risk of victimization and support victims to avoid recidivism through helping with basic needs, legal assistance, addiction treatment, counseling, and education
