Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: Dane County Needs Assessment

Abstract

In 2011, due to increasing reports of Dane County girls exploited for sex by adult males, the Dane County Coordinated Community Response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CCR-CSEC) undertook a community needs assessment funded by the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Program. This baseline study focused on interviewing agencies that may currently encounter domestic minor sex victims and collecting data on the identification, level of frequency, availability of services, and outcomes, as well as collecting anonymous case studies that identify victim needs. The goal of this study is to promote early identification of domestic minor sex trafficking victims and effective intervention in order to divert victims away from more years of trauma. The sample size of domestic minor sex trafficking victims in Dane County is small and therefore conclusions are limited. There is a need for housing and specialized support services for DMST victims and a need for training and education to help social service providers and law enforcement serve victims and hold perpetrators accountable.