"...[C]onsequences of early sexual and physical abuse led to running away from home, dropping out of school, and homelessness. The homelessness and lack of social support rendered them vulnerable to underage entry or in some instances to being coerced or forced into sex work. These findings complement prior research conducted in other regions indicating experiences young exposure to sexual and physical abuse and running away as an adolescent are primary risks for the commercial sexual exploitation of children.49–51 Furthermore, it is important to mention that not one of the participants received mental health services or professional services of any kind for the abuse they endured. For many this study was their first time disclosing to someone the abuse they had experienced and many participants expressed relief in doing so. These findings suggest the need in Mexico for more effective child protective service programs to identify and assist children who have been victims of sexual or physical abuse in a timely way given their potential implications.
Economic need is often connected to entry into sex work; evidence indicates that when women lack viable alternatives, they are more likely to perceive sex work as a feasible option for income.52 In our study, teen pregnancy was the common denominator that gave rise to economic need such as child caring needs (i.e., shelter, food, etc.). Because these women were underage at the time of pregnancy, had low levels of education and were poorly skilled, they had limited employment opportunities. These findings complement prior work indicating the role of limited opportunities for women as drivers of entry to sex work and trafficking.53, 54 The Mexican government has gone to great efforts to improve the educational opportunities, and thus the employment opportunities, of young women and girls from lower socioeconomic status with programs such as Prospera (previously referred to as Oportunidades).55 However, these findings indicate that there are other needs that must be addressed (i.e., family issues, sexual and physical abuse) in order to reach these girls or expand their program to target high-risk girls who are suffering from these vulnerabilities as our study revealed." [bold added]
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