SEX
TRAFFICKED and
SEXUALLY
EXPLOITED
BOYS
HAVE
EXPERIENCED:
• Prior sexual abuse
• Treatment as an offender by law
enforcement
• Dysfunctional home life
• Child maltreatment
• Running away
• Living in a group home
• Having a poor self-image
• Sexual identity confusion
• Rejection by family members
• Dropping out of school
• Lack of social acceptance
• Coercive or negative same-sex
experiences
THE NEED
Currently there are not shelters within the United Sates designated
to serve male commercial sexual exploited or sex trafficked victims.
Boys have been largely overlooked as victims of the sex trade. Our
culture has identified males as the perpetrator but has failed to
address them as victims.
Studies referenced that many of the boys who attempted to exit the
sex trade were discouraged from such efforts due to the absence of
programs designed to serve males. A study interviewing commercial
sexual exploited males reported that 80% strongly felt there was a
grave need for residential programs and support services designed
exclusively to address the unique issues facing sex trafficked and
sexually exploited males.