The sample consisted of 70 children who had been abused sexually but had not been involved in prostitution, and 35 children who had been involved in prostitution but not sexually abused who had been referred to Paulina House (a temporary shelter for sexually abused and exploited children in Chicago) between October 1, 1985 and December 31, 1986. The adolescents were compared on 22 variables which classified them according to age, sex, race, family characteristics, behavior characteristics, and emotional characteristics. The two groups were found to be essentially similar on 13 of the variables. Findings suggest that the relationship between child sexual abuse and prostitution is not as direct as implied by previous studies. While there are characteristics in common, as well as differences, it is more accurate to say that running away directly leads to prostitution. Implications for treatment of both sexually abused and prostitution-involved children also are discussed. 2 tables, 14 references. (Author abstract modified)