The Refuge for DMST Recommended Reading List
How big of a problem is child sex trafficking? What resources are available for survivors? Here are some recommended articles, plus the best, currently available statistics to help you become more informed on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) issues.
Recommended Reading
The following stories include some of the best reporting and writing on domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) and are excellent resources for learning more about this hidden crime.
Selling Girls: Sex traffickers are selling American children
KVUE/Tegna stations’ Emmy-nominated docu-series following the money and trauma of child sex trafficking.
Sold Out: How the crusade against sex trafficking in Texas has left child victims behind
Texas Tribune’s 8-part series, with mention of The Refuge regarding possible solutions.
Exploited: Inside the dark world of child sex trafficking
Indianapolis Star’s 10-part expose of both US and international trafficking written by Tim Swarens.
Why Austin’s child sex traffickers aren’t getting jail time
KVUE’s localization of the Selling Girls Tegna series, featuring The Refuge. Reporting by Erica Proffer.
“Patchwork of Programs Serve Child Sex Trafficking Survivors”
Associated Press explores the complicated needs of those who have survived complex, long-term trauma; featuring the work of The Refuge Ranch.
Girls Like Us
In her memoir, survivor-leader Rachel Lloyd, founder of NYC-based organization GEMS, breaks down the system of commercial sexual exploitation as she shares personal stories and stories of girls she has mentored.
Recommended Research
Check out these organizations for the best and latest research on domestic minor sex trafficking.
Why The Refuge Ranch is Needed:
Child sex trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. — United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
There are currently 79,000 young adults and minors who have been sex trafficked in Texas. — University of Texas
Texas has the second most reported number of child sex trafficking cases in the U.S. — Polaris Project
There are less than 600 beds available nationwide for child sex trafficking survivors, but we have over 13,000 animal shelters.
Prior to the opening of The Refuge Ranch, Texas only had 24 beds available for child survivors’ long term recovery from trauma. — The Refuge for DMST / Texas Governor’s Office
Young survivors of sex trafficking who only received “low level” limited, short-term assistance and services were more likely to be re-victimized at a 34% rate, compared to a 5 - 7% rate for those who had long-term, “high level” care. — University of Texas