Entry, Progression, Exit, and Service Provision for Survivors of Sex Trafficking: Implications for Effective Interventions

Human trafficking continues to evolve as an issue of importance in many communities. The proliferation of human trafficking is worldwide and involves forced labor, often of young persons. This literature review focuses on the form of human trafficking that involves sex trafficking and prostitution. Terms also used to describe this situation include domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), sex work, child sexual exploitation, and prostitution. This paper focuses on four points of interest: (1) the process of entry into sex trafficking, (2) the progression once one is trafficked/prostituted, (3) the process for exiting, and (4) services for victims/survivors. The paper concludes with recommendations for service provision, including the arenas of healthcare, social services, child welfare, and law enforcement. © 2014, Springer International Publishing.