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Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant threat to the health and well-being of children in the United States (US). Public policies are a key public health strategy for the primary prevention of violence, including CSA. In 2021, the Enough Abuse Campaign and Prevent Child Abuse America published a comprehensive report entitled A Call to Action for Policymakers and Advocates: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Legislation in the States to encourage state leaders to create a comprehensive strategy to prevent CSA in the US. Findings from the report show that the nation has made some effort to address CSA, but more focus needs to be given to primary prevention strategies that stop it from occurring in the first place. The report also illustrates the variability of CSA prevention policies across the US and highlights critical gaps in current approaches that must be addressed. In the spirit of the special issue, the authors reflect on key policy issues in the field, including the lack of a federal policy framework for CSA prevention, dedicated funding for the prevention of CSA, and research on the effectiveness of policies intended to prevent CSA. Suggestions for future directions in relation to policy development provided in this commentary will be useful to a variety of stakeholders interested in the topic of CSA prevention policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex trafficking (ST) interventions in India typically follow the "three R's" – rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Anti-human trafficking service organizations (AHTSOs) play an essential role in implementing the "three Rs," influencing India's anti-trafficking policy and aid for trafficking survivors. However, few investigations have explored AHTSOs professionals' perceptions of their roles and the multilevel factors that influence their ability to address the needs of ST survivors in India. Thirteen Indian professionals participated in this study. Through the use of in-depth individual interviews, professionals discussed the challenges and barriers to their work. The findings of the study reflect that number of challenges and barriers faced by professionals when working with ST survivors included societal level factors such as ST stigma, apathy toward learning about ST, issues within the government and justice systems as well as distrust of AHTSOs and mistreatment of ST survivors. The results point to important areas of intervention to prevent the trafficking of girls and women in India, and further highlight the need for additional support for Indian professionals working with these survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study describes the use of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and legal interventions for a 16-year-old girl who was the victim of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and suffered from substance abuse, anxiety, and body image issues. Over the course of 1 year, the client was able to discontinue involvement in sexual exploitation, cease substance use, decrease her anxiety level, improve her self-concept, and reduce posttrauma symptoms. The case calls attention to the need for extended rapport building, flexibility in treatment, and tailoring manualized treatments. It highlights the path to CSE for one teenager as well as the resultant emotional and behavioral consequences. Given the extensive nature of her past traumas, case management was continued following the clients' discharge from treatment to support her adjustment. These follow-up sessions were conducted about once a month and assisted with maintenance of treatment goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project Girls Owning Their Lives and Dreams (GOLD) is a comprehensive group counseling program providing psychoeducational, growth, support, and counseling groups to adolescent victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Groups were facilitated by staff and community volunteers. Online surveys were administered to participants to gain their perceptions of the groups. Participants were generally satisfied with the groups and reported themes of bonding with peers, learning new skills, empowerment, and stress relief. Considerations for group work with this population are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]