“Survival sex” is the selling or exchanging of sex for money, food, drugs, shelter, or any combination. Youth who are victims of childhood abuse are more at risk for running away and becoming homeless and therefore are more at risk for becoming victims of sex trafficking. (Ennett et al., 1999; Tyler, Whitbeck, Hoyt, & Cauce, 2004). (McClanahan, McClelland, Abram, & Teplin, 1999).
Victims of sex trafficking are likely exposed to adverse conditions that can negatively affect their physical, mental, and emotional health. Victims of sex trafficking victims are at risk for sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis, urinary tract infections, and pubic lice.
Other effects can be bruising from being physically abused and tortured, pelvic pain, vaginal or anal tearing, and urinary difficulties. Sex trafficking victims are often physically abused and tortured.
Other issues can include:
- memory loss
- dizziness
- headaches
- numbnes
- food deprivation
- malnutrition
- PTSD
- depression
- emotional trauma
- anxiety