The Impact of Trafficking on Children: Psychological and Social Policy Perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT— Child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) are egregious crimes, extreme forms of child maltreatment, and major violations of children’s human rights. Although empirical research is sorely lacking on the impact of such crimes on children’s developmental well‐being, numerous reports describe the physical and emotional trauma, humiliation, violence, degradation associated with treatment as a commodity, and unrelenting fear and abuse. This paper provides an overview of the impact of trafficking and CSE on children and the practical implications of related research in the areas of child maltreatment and victimization. Findings suggest that trafficking and CSE present grave risks to the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social–emotional development of young victims. Implications for psychology and social policy, in terms of prevention and psychosocial rehabilitation for children who have been victimized, are also presented.