Sexual exploitation of youth – Findings from three epidemiological studies in 2004, 2009 and 2014

Objective: During the last decade, a number of epidemiological studies about youth selling sex have been carried out. Prevalence rates vary depending on participants’ age, gender, sexual identity and risk behavior as well as... [ view full abstract ]

Objective: During the last decade, a number of epidemiological studies about youth selling sex have been carried out. Prevalence rates vary depending on participants’ age, gender, sexual identity and risk behavior as well as research methods. Less is known about the prevalence of trafficking for sexual purposes in population-based samples of youth. Three studies were conducted in 2004, 2009 and 2014 in Sweden, using the same research methods. This allows for unique comparisons over time. At the same time, new issues of interest could be included.
Method: Youth in their last year of high school participated in school-based, cross-sectional surveys about sexual exploitation (selling sex), sexuality, sexual abuse and psychological well-being in 2004 (n= 4,339), 2009 (n= 3,498) and 2014 (n= 5,839). Core questions were basically the same in all three studies. In 2014, questions about trafficking and about the reasons for selling sex were included for the first time.
Results: Prevalence rates for experience of selling sex were 1.4 percent in 2004, 1.5 percent in 2009 and 0.9 percent in 2014; differences were not significant. There were substantial differences between the three studies when it comes to the use of Internet as a way of contact between those who sell or buy sex. Between 2004 and 2009 the use of Internet when getting contact increased, while the ways in which the Internet was used for making contact differed between 2009 and 2014. Male and female youth reported different reasons for selling sex. In 2014, 1.1 percent of the youth reported experience of trafficking for sexual purposes.
Conclusions: It is important to conduct repeated epidemiological studies of sexual exploitation of youth. Possible changes over time can be investigated and the results can be used to inform policies and interventions aimed to support youth exposed to sexual exploitation.