Laypeople’s Knowledge and Misconceptions of Sex Trafficking Influenced by Training Formats

Bibliographic Data

ID18969449
AuthorsQuincy C Miller (0000-0002-6520-2952, University of Toledo, corresponding author), Kristina Todorovic (0000-0001-8054-9682, University of Toledo), Christina O Pérez (0000-0002-6208-644X, University of Toledo), Amy L Capparelli (0000-0002-4620-1436, University of Toledo), Kamala London (0000-0001-7524-8105, University of Toledo)
Year2023
Volume9
Issue1
Pages94-118
Publication date2023-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Human Trafficking (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2332-2705 • E-ISSN: 2332-2713
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23322705.2020.1865767
OpenAlexW3119804374
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited34

Despite the global epidemic of sex trafficking, laypeople and professionals possess little knowledge about trafficking. Lack of awareness engenders failed victim identification, victim-blaming attitudes, re-victimization, and dissipated justice system resources. To address this paucity of awareness, the current research evaluated the efficacy of brief online sex trafficking trainings. Participants were 268 adults recruited nationwide in the United States. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three sex trafficking trainings (facts-only, stories-only, combination). Participants completed pre-training measures of myth endorsement, perceived knowledge, and actual knowledge of sex trafficking. Immediately post-training, participants completed measures of perceived knowledge, actual knowledge, and training satisfaction. Following a one-week delay, participants again responded to measures of myth acceptance, perceived knowledge, and actual knowledge. Regardless of training condition, participants showed improvements in “myth endorsement reduction”, perceived knowledge, and actual knowledge post-training. Compared to the stories-only and combination training conditions, participants in the facts-only condition expressed the greatest reduction in myth endorsement, greatest perceived knowledge, greatest actual knowledge, and greatest training satisfaction. Findings indicate promise for a brief online sex trafficking training using the facts-only format. We discuss research for further investigation of sex trafficking trainings and policy and practice recommendation for professionals

Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Mythology · Poison control · Suicide prevention · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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