Adversity & Aftermath: Findings From a Study of 350 Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation in the U.S.

Fri, September 25 | 3:15 PM EDT– 4:15 PM EDT

Topic: Research, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Courtney Furlong, PhD, LPC, CRC

This presentation shares findings from a quantitative study examining the complex pathways linking childhood adversity, trafficking experiences, and post-trafficking outcomes for 350 survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States. Drawing on ecological and life course frameworks, Dr. Courtney Furlong surveyed adult survivors to explore the relationships among adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic disadvantage, educational achievement, trafficking severity, and multiple post-trafficking outcomes, including income, employment status, posttraumatic stress symptoms, sobriety, and constructs related to dignity and well-being. Existing research has documented high rates of childhood adversity among survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and has suggested that early trauma may increase vulnerability to exploitation. However, limited empirical work has mapped how pre-trafficking and trafficking-related factors jointly affect adult outcomes. Regression analyses indicated that adverse childhood experiences were strongly associated with more severe exploitation and poorer adult outcomes. Educational attainment improved income and employment but did not buffer against trafficking severity. Socioeconomic disadvantage showed no significant predictive effect. Trafficking severity was a significant predictor of poorer economic stability and mediated the relationship between early adversity and later outcomes. The study highlights the individualized needs of survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and underscores the importance of trauma-responsive, tailored services that address both early adversity and exploitation-related harms. Implications for clinical practice, program design, and survivor-centered intervention models will be discussed.

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Presentation Objectives

• Summarize key findings from prior research on commercial sexual exploitation and post trafficking outcomes to situate the study within the broader literature
• Describe the characteristics and lived experiences of the 350 U.S. survivors in the sample to provide context for understanding the study’s variables and outcomes
• Interpret the relationships among adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic disadvantage, educational achievement, trafficking severity, and post-trafficking outcomes
• Discuss the practical implications of the research for trauma responsive care, program design, and survivor centered intervention models