EXAMINATION OF RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, SEX, AND ACES AMONG YOUTH IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to examine how many youths in the juvenile justice system in the sample experience sexual exploitation compared to the rest of the youth in the juvenile justice system and what difference can be seen in ACEs scores by sex. Literature shows that exposure to trauma at a young age can lead to mental health problems as well as further abuse, both substance and sexual. Without proper treatment, the victims will transition into adulthood without adequate support. Healthcare professionals as well as advocates need to use trauma-informed care to help treat the whole child. The sample was drawn from the Leveraging Safe Adults (LeSA) study, a study focused on preventing opioid use among justice-involved youth and included 95 youth from 11 secure residential facilities. At the start of the study, all participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire as part of the baseline assessment. Results from both t-test and chi-square analyses indicated that females who had experienced sexual exploitation had higher ACEs compared to the rest of the sample. All four hypotheses were supported. This is important to note because it shows how many youths are affected by trauma and exploitation and can inform ways to intervene.