Minor and Adult Domestic Sex Trafficking Risk Factors in Ohio

Author: Chohaney, Michael

Abstract: Sex trafficking is a pressing issue in Ohio—a major node in national sex trafficking networks; however, no quantitative analysis of risk factors specific to Ohio victims has been conducted. Using a survey conducted by the Ohio Human Trafficking Commission representing Ohio urban, street-based sex workers (N = 328), this study uses a life-course theory framework to identify and measure the effect of direct risk factors on domestic minor and adult sex-trafficking outcomes using multivariate logistic regressions. Variables of specific interest include peer influence, experiences during transience, prior minor victimization, and a lack of support while attempting to escape. Survival sex and peer influence increase the odds of minor victimization, and a lack of available support and resources for victims while attempting to escape significantly increase the odds of adult victimization. This analysis produces a better understanding of risk factors facing Ohio’s sex trafficking victims and provides broader insights about the determinants of domestic sex trafficking. In addition, these results have been used in a report to an Ohio Senate Caucus promoting a federal bill regarding missing children.

Keywords: domestic sex trafficking, runaways, survival sex, logistic regression analysis, hard-to-reach populations, life-course theory