A Concept Analysis of Trauma Coercive Bonding in the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

BACKGROUND: The sex trafficking of adolescents is known as commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). CSEC is a complex phenomenon where identification requires understanding of developmental disruptions from toxic bonding experiences that increase in complexity over time. These toxic bonding experiences forced through coercive methods disrupt the holistic development of a self in the CSEC victim that interferes with daily functions, decision-making and social and emotional development. Lacking in the literature is a conceptual foundation for trauma coerced bonding. PURPOSE: The purpose of the analysis is to define and clarify the future concept of trauma coerced bonding from trauma bonding as it relates to CSEC victimization. METHODS: The concept analysis used Rodgers' evolutionary method to search four databases (PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar [for grey literature]), using terms associated with various descriptions of trauma bonding (for instance, Stockholm syndrome), resulting in twenty papers for review. RESULTS: Attributes, antecedents, and consequences of trauma bonding were delineated and explained. It became apparent through this analysis that the concept of trauma bonding of adolescents exposed to CSEC is very different from other forms of trauma bonding, leading this author to a more precise term, trauma-coercive bonding. Trauma coercive bonding is a long process that is a developmentally disruptive form of bonding that has ramifications throughout the life span. DISCUSSION: Trauma coercive bonding is influenced by more than just an emotional bond. The proposed definition of trauma coercive bonding brings an in-depth description of vulnerabilities and disruptions to childhood when CSEC, which persists long into adulthood. CONCLUSION: Future qualitative research should pursue a grounded theory of trauma coercive bonding to further explain and study this phenomenon.

An Ecological Approach Toward Prevention and Care of Victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.

Sex trafficking is a widespread form of human trafficking that exists globally. The forced sexual exploitation of young women for profit at the hands of traffickers is a human rights violation. Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where youths are sold as a commodity. It is difficult to determine the wide range of negative health outcomes associated with domestic minor sex trafficking due to the hidden nature of the crime and its lack of statistical data to determine prevalence. Viewing domestic minor sex trafficking through an ecological lens assists in the understanding of the multiple complex interactions between victims, their relationships, and environments that influence their health. Forensic nurses are poised as experts in the healthcare of vulnerable populations and possess the knowledge to understand that social determinants of vulnerability depend on the distinct setting or environment where victims of sex trafficking reside and how different factors affect their victimology, resilience, and well-being.