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Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: Youth Involved in Prostitution, Pornography and Sex Trafficking

NCJ Number
180169
Author(s)
Laura Barnitz; Niesha Lobo; Carrie McVicker; Katy Gallagher
Date Published
1998
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This booklet explores the degrading and demeaning abuse of children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation, specifically the abuse of children who are involved in prostitution, pornography, and sex trafficking.
Abstract
Prostitution and pornography are visible throughout the world but many people are not aware of the extent to which children are involved commercially in these businesses. Sex trafficking, on the other hand, is a lesser known business. Children who are sexually abused are seen as victims, while children in commercial sex businesses are sometimes considered perpetrators of criminal acts. Nonetheless, children have human rights and they are in a vulnerable stage of development that deserves the protection and concern of adults. Despite their involvement in prostitution, pornography, or sex trafficking, children should not be treated as criminals because of what they have done or because of what is done to them. The author contends commercial sexual exploitation of children is degrading and destructive and believes stopping such exploitation is a social and ethical responsibility. She defines commercial sexual exploitation of children, discusses the impact on children and individuals involved in the exploitation, and identifies specific ways in which the exploitation can be curtailed. Resource organizations pertinent to the commercial sexual exploitation of children are listed. 68 endnotes and 1 figure