A recent report from Northeastern University highlights significant shortcomings in the U.S. health care system’s response to child sex trafficking victims. The study, led by Professor Amy Farrell, director of criminology and criminal justice and WGSS affiliated faculty at Northeastern, underscores that while hundreds of cases are reported annually in Massachusetts alone, the actual numbers are likely higher due to underreporting.
The report emphasizes that health care providers often struggle to establish trust with young victims, who may be hesitant to seek medical assistance. This reluctance hinders effective identification and treatment. To address these challenges, the report recommends comprehensive training for health care professionals to recognize signs of exploitation and to understand the complex relationship between exploitation and health.
