Sex Trafficking Knowledge and Training: Implications From Environmental Scanning in the American Midwest

Kathleen M Preble, Sarah M Tlapek, Erica Koegler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Large gaps exist in our knowledge about the effectiveness of sex trafficking training. This study surveyed knowledge and training regarding sex trafficking among service providers (N = 66; i.e., social workers, law enforcement offers, and medical providers) in one Midwestern state. The study aimed to: (a) determine the goodness-of-fit between respondents' agency criteria for victim identification and established trafficking definitions, (b) assess training desired and received, and (c) examine group differences in knowledge and training by profession and position. Results suggest confusion exists in defining sex trafficking among aftercare providers despite nearly all respondents indicating they had received training on definition, identification, and vulnerability. Training gaps regarding service coordination, case development, and the legal, mental health, and medical needs of victims remain.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalViolence and Victims
Volume35
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Midwest
  • evidenced-based training
  • multidisciplinary teams
  • sex trafficking
  • technical knowledge

Disciplines

  • Social Work

Cite this