Project 171971

Sexually exploited and at-risk teen males often experience serious health issues. Recent research in British Columbia has shown as many as 1 in 3 street youth have been sexually exploited, males at equal rates as females. However, services to help sexually-exploited youth are often focused on girls and young women, and use female-centred approaches that may not be supportive for young men. While young men in general access help less often than young women, sexually exploited teens experience stigma that may make them even more reluctant to access services they need. This study will explore sexually-exploited and at-risk young men's experiences of health and social services, how their views and ideals about masculinity influence their decisions to access services, and ways health care can be delivered using male-friendly approaches for this marginalized population.