Through the mud: development of a scale to measure resilience and refinement of the domestic sex trafficking risk and resiliency assessment (DST-RAA)

Abstract

This study progressed the development of the Domestic Sex Trafficking Risk and Resiliency Assessment (DST-RRA). This tool is intended to assist direct service professionals to 1) increase identification of those at-risk of or subjected to DST and 2) provide victim-centered strengths-based interventions (Countryman-Roswurm, 2012). Previous research utilized a mixed methods design and the instrument development and construct validation (IDCV) process to develop and test the risk assessment and identify resilience factors associated with DST (Countryman-Roswurm, 2012). The current study continued the IDCV process and centered on the initial development and pilot testing of the DST-RRA resilience assessment. The resilience assessment was developed using resilience factors identified in previous research (CountrymanRoswurm, 2012). Focus groups were then conducted to test the face validity of the resilience assessment. Participants (n=52) provided qualitative and quantitative data to facilitate a qualitative-dominant crossover analysis of the assessment. Analysis validated previously identified resilience factors and provided guidance to update and improve the resilience assessment. Updates will improve the DST-RRA for professionals and clients.