Host Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Amy Farrell of Northeastern University about a multi-institution study on the physical and mental health needs of commercially sexually exploited youth and their interactions with healthcare systems. The research used a national survey recruited through service agencies and Instagram screening, plus qualitative interviews with adults exploited as minors, examining health before, during, and after exploitation. Findings show exploited youth report significantly higher health concerns than comparable high-risk youth, including higher STI rates, chronic pain, asthma, high blood pressure, and severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, and dissociation; health problems often persist throughout their lives.

Time Stamps 

Time Topic 

00:00 Episode Setup 

01:23 Meet Dr. Amy Farrell 

01:43 Why This Study 

04:51 Research Questions 

06:14 Recruiting The Sample 

09:57 Overall Health Findings 

13:05 Physical Health Surprises 

15:37 Mental Health Impacts 

20:27 ACEs and Vulnerability 

23:27 Healthcare Access Touchpoints 

27:48 Stigma and Broken Trust 

32:21 Provider Recommendations 

43:11 Future Research

44:58 Closing and Resources 

Resources

Understanding the Physical and Psychological Health and Wellness Needs of Minor Sex Trafficking Victims

Support the show

Did you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.