Discussion on Sex Trafficking in the State of Nebraska
Advisor Information
Carol Ebdon
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 9:15 AM
End Date
7-3-2014 9:30 AM
Abstract
This thesis (currently in progress) seeks to identify victims and potential victims of child trafficking in Nebraska through the use of risk indicators such as a history of abuse experienced as a child, removal from their home, and/or homelessness. If potential victims can be identified then a policy recommendation can be formulated to provide services to at risk/victimized children. Using risk indicators identified through literature on sex trafficking, prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation of children, three state databases noted will be examined and cross-checked for information to answer the following two questions: (1) How many children who were seen at Project Harmony in 2006-2008 were later arrested for prostitution? (2) Were other indicators of commercial sexual exploitation present? This presentation will discuss whether trafficking is a true issue in Nebraska, current policy and research, as well as potential solutions. This discussion is pertinent because two studies have indicated that 70 percent of women or girls involved in prostitution entered “the life” before the age of 18 (Hughes, 2007). If true, then the majority of prostitutes were, at least initially, victims of sex trafficking, (Hughes, 2007). Based on this premise, it is highly likely women in Nebraska who were arrested for prostitution as young adults were exploited when they were minors, and thus are victims of trafficking, especially if other risk indicators were present.
Discussion on Sex Trafficking in the State of Nebraska
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
This thesis (currently in progress) seeks to identify victims and potential victims of child trafficking in Nebraska through the use of risk indicators such as a history of abuse experienced as a child, removal from their home, and/or homelessness. If potential victims can be identified then a policy recommendation can be formulated to provide services to at risk/victimized children. Using risk indicators identified through literature on sex trafficking, prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation of children, three state databases noted will be examined and cross-checked for information to answer the following two questions: (1) How many children who were seen at Project Harmony in 2006-2008 were later arrested for prostitution? (2) Were other indicators of commercial sexual exploitation present? This presentation will discuss whether trafficking is a true issue in Nebraska, current policy and research, as well as potential solutions. This discussion is pertinent because two studies have indicated that 70 percent of women or girls involved in prostitution entered “the life” before the age of 18 (Hughes, 2007). If true, then the majority of prostitutes were, at least initially, victims of sex trafficking, (Hughes, 2007). Based on this premise, it is highly likely women in Nebraska who were arrested for prostitution as young adults were exploited when they were minors, and thus are victims of trafficking, especially if other risk indicators were present.