How to best assist LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization is a developing field of knowledge. This study aimed to understand sex trafficking risk factors for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness through the 2019 Youth Experiences Survey (2019 YES) and 16 follow-up interviews. The main findings include a) the odds of being LGBTQ+ and experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization were 2.41 times greater (95% CI: 1.22, 4.74) than being a cisgender heterosexual experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization; and b) risk factors that contributed significantly to a binary logistic regression model to predict being an LGBTQ+ young adult experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization included having a current medical issue, having a history of dating violence, having a childhood history of sexual abuse (ACEs sexual abuse), having a history of binging/vomiting, and having a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The interviews back up quantitative data for contextualization purposes. The findings of this study confirm the need for more services for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization. Please note, this presentation will not be available as an on-demand webinar for viewing after the conference
Kimberly Hogan is an Assistant Professor at The University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work and a Co-Director of the Southern Miss Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training. Her research work spans the prevention, detection, identification, and treatment of minor and adult sex trafficking victims.
Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz is an Associate Professor, Director of Arizona State University’s Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, and Clinical Director at Phoenix Starfish Place. Her research work is on human trafficking with a focus on interventions for victims. Research includes innovative interventions including a psychoeducation group, outreach activities, and non-arrest policing activities.