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Entrapped Bodies: Illegalized Trafficked Youth in Canada

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Abstract

Over the last decade, the problem of sex trafficking has become an alarming global concern. Reports suggest that half of active cases of sex trafficking involve female children and youth. This paper considers the mental health impact of sex trafficking on illegalized female trafficked youth under the age of 29 who live in Canada without legal immigration status. It will draw on a qualitative research, including individual interview and survey questionnaires, to explore the lived conditions and mental health outcomes of illegalized trafficked youth in the Greater Toronto Area. Sex trafficking is a gender and human rights violation, as well as a total control over an individual’s body, sexuality, and livelihood. Trafficking negatively impacts the social determinants of health and mental health of trafficked persons. This paper provides three recommendations to improve mental health conditions of illegalized trafficked youth.

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  1. Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Soheila Pashang

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  1. Soheila Pashang
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Correspondence to Soheila Pashang.

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Pashang, S. Entrapped Bodies: Illegalized Trafficked Youth in Canada. Int J Ment Health Addiction 17, 370–384 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-0027-1

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