Understanding the Sociological Factors that Impact POC in Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: A Risk Assessment Proposal
Open Access
Author:
Gil Sanhueza, Vanessa
Area of Honors:
Interdisciplinary in Security and Risk Analysis and Sociology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Laura Rotunno, Thesis Honors Advisor David R M Barnes, Thesis Supervisor Karyn Mckinney Marvasti, Thesis Supervisor
Keywords:
human trafficking domestic minor sex trafficking racism stereotypes disparities sexual colonization historical trauma risk risk framework risk assessment proposal risk factors vulnerability social conditions
Abstract:
Data and research studies suggest that domestic minor sex trafficking disproportionately affects children of color in the United States. The aim of this thesis is to propose a risk framework that addresses the racial disparities within human trafficking victimization. To this end, we take a closer look at the historical trauma and current racism-informed social conditions that affect POC (people of color) communities, analyzing how racialized sexual stereotypes have a significant impact in making them more vulnerable to sexual exploitation. We review some current studies that discuss common risk factors and emphasize the intersection of race and human trafficking. These studies served as building blocks in creating a risk framework that compares the level of risk and vulnerability different racial groups carry in order to illustrate the racial implications in domestic minor sex trafficking. We also propose that, to address the racial disparities within the human trafficking research community and the anti-human trafficking movement, steps should be taken to better understand the racial history of our country, how it ties directly to racist societal perceptions, and how it influences the supply and demand of the human trafficking industry today.
