Familial Sex Trafficking of Minors: we are A Study of Scope, Characteristics, and Systemic Challenges Across the U.S. Justice Process.

Familial sex trafficking (FST) was examined as a largely overlooked subcategory of domestic sex trafficking in the United States. This mixed-methods study surveyed 68 justice professionals across 24 states, representing 3,505 confirmed domestic minor sex trafficking cases, of which 917 (26%) involved familial perpetrators as reported by respondents, most commonly biological mothers. Victims were primarily girls aged 10-17 years and were exposed to intergenerational trauma, substance use, poverty, and domestic violence. Qualitative and quantitative data revealed systemic barriers, including inadequate screening tools, limited training, and prosecutorial reluctance. Findings highlighted the justice system's limited capacity to identify and intervene in FST cases. The study emphasized the importance of relationally informed identification strategies, trauma-informed policy reform, and specialized professional education to enhance system responsiveness and improve outcomes for survivors.