Broken Trust: Exploited Youth and Healthcare Access

Host Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Amy Farrell of Northeastern University about a multi-institution study on the physical and mental health needs of commercially sexually exploited youth and their interactions with healthcare systems. The research used a national survey recruited through service agencies and Instagram screening, plus qualitative interviews with adults exploited as minors, examining health before, during, and after exploitation. Findings show exploited youth report significantly higher health concerns than comparable high-risk youth, including higher STI rates, chronic pain, asthma, high blood pressure, and severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, and dissociation; health problems often persist throughout their lives.Time Stamps Time Topic 00:00 Episode Setup 01:23 Meet Dr. Amy Farrell 01:43 Why This Study 04:51 Research Questions 06:14 Recruiting The Sample 09:57 Overall Health Findings 13:05 Physical Health Surprises 15:37 Mental Health Impacts 20:27 ACEs and Vulnerability 23:27 Healthcare Access Touchpoints 27:48 Stigma and Broken Trust 32:21 Provider Recommendations 43:11 Future Research44:58 Closing and Resources ResourcesUnderstanding the Physical and Psychological Health and Wellness Needs of Minor Sex Trafficking VictimsSupport the showDid you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.