This presentation explores the human trafficking experiences of young adults in situations of homelessness in Arizona. This research study aims to help develop knowledge about unsheltered young adults in Arizona with a focus-on risks for human trafficking. The study aimed to explore what are their life experiences of trauma including being abused, trafficked, or kicked out by their family and what challenges do unsheltered young adults face regarding substance abuse and mental health challenges. The 2024 study included 227 surveys collected from unsheltered youth participants ages 18-25. The participants were 49.5 percent female, 41.9 percent male, and 5.9 percent transgender. They were 75.8 percent persons of color. Sex trafficking was reported by 30.8 percent of the participants and labor trafficking reported by 14.5 percent. Experiences of childhood maltreatment (sexual, emotional, and physical abuse) were more likely to be reported by the participants reporting a history of sex trafficking. Other issues impacting those reporting sex and labor trafficking included being kicked out, drug use, mental health challenges, and limited education and work experiences. Young adults were found to be at high risk for exploitation. Recommendations include developing unique interventions to connect with unsheltered young adults including drop-in centers, digital outreach/case management, mentoring programs, and treatment for substance use and mental health.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz is a Professor at the ASU of Social Work and Director of the ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research. She is the Clinical Director of Phoenix Starfish Place and the Director of the Arizona Human Trafficking Hotline. Dr. Roe-Sepowitz has more than 50 peer reviewed publications.
Pursuing her MSW, Lexus Wright-Ball specializes in human trafficking rehabilitation services. She coordinates the Youth Experiences Survey and works with local youth programs to bring resources and support to unsheltered young adults. Her work bridges research and real-life impact, grounded in both personal experience with unsheltered-ness and ongoing professional development.