Long-term prognosis of commercially sexually exploited youth in Turkey: brief report

Abstract

Objective: Factors contribute to commercial sexual exploitation of youth (CSEY) and a variety of physical and psychological consequences of CSEY were previously discussed in the literature. The aim of the current study was to determine the long term prognosis of a sample of CSEY in Turkey. Methods: A sample of 108 CSEY (all females) with a mean age of 16.7 +/- 2.7 (range: 9-22) years living in a specialized center for protection against perpetrators were examined in terms of their sociodemographic variables, previous abuse history, family history and current psychopathology. Identified cases were referred for psychiatric evaluation. We obtained follow-up data 11 years after initial contact from this cohort (mean age 25.9 +/- 2.6 at time of follow-up) with the subjects and received information regarding their current functioning. Results: Follow up data revealed that recommendations during psychiatric follow up could not be acted upon. 71.4% of the initial sample (n= 76) could be reached via direct or indirect contacts. We found that good/superior functioning was very rare and that one-third of the sample that could be reached still was being sexually exploited. Important considerations derived from the results were discussed in the current article.