We are grateful to the Editors of TVA for the opportunity to respond to the commentary on our systematic review of the sex trafficking of minors, specifically regarding the initial recruitment location. Upon revisiting the 7 out of 23 reviewed studies that address recruitment locations, we find that the discrepancy with the commentators’ views stems from differing interpretations of the term “initial.” We affirm that these seven studies, which include the internet as a prominent initial recruitment site, are valid and appropriate for inclusion. We also emphasize that, irrespective of recruitment location, we and the commentators share deep concerns about the severe impact of sex trafficking on minors, recognizing it as a heinous crime against vulnerable populations. Traffickers use both online and in-person methods to manipulate and exploit youth. Our review highlights the internet as a primary platform for traffickers to form relationships with minors, comparable in danger to in-person interactions. The 23 reviewed papers focus on documenting these predatory relationships and the critical role of supportive, healing relationships in prevention and intervention.

中文翻译：

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数字陷阱：在线接触在诱捕未成年人进行易中的关键作用


我们感谢 TVA 的编辑们给我机会回应我们对未成年人性贩运系统审查的评论，特别是关于初始招募地点的评论。在重新审视 23 项涉及招募地点的审查研究中，有 7 项我们发现与评论员观点的差异源于对“初始”一词的不同解释。我们确认这七项研究（包括互联网作为主要的初始招募网站）是有效且适合纳入的。我们还强调，无论招募地点如何，我们和评论员都对性贩运对未成年人的严重影响深表关切，认为这是针对弱势群体的令人发指的罪行。人贩子使用在线和面对面的方法来操纵和剥削青少年。我们的审查强调，互联网是人口贩运者与未成年人建立关系的主要平台，其危险性可与面对面互动相媲美。这 23 篇审查论文的重点是记录这些掠夺性关系以及支持、治愈关系在预防和干预中的关键作用。