The most vulnerable among us are subject to some of the worst horrors that humanity can muster up. Why? Because it is difficult for a child to fight back. An adult has the power in this situation, despite the strength and mental toughness of any child. And so, these monsters never miss an opportunity to add to their collection of stolen innocence. Who is at risk? What are the signs? And what can you do to become the hero so many children desperately need?
It's a harsh reality that sexual exploitation, commercial sexual exploitation, and child sex trafficking is a pressing issue in the United States. It's devastating to know that such a large number of young individuals are at risk of falling prey to this heinous crime.
According to the Justice Department, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) refers to a “range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person.”
Child sex trafficking is a form of child abuse that occurs when a child under 18 is advertised, solicited or exploited through a commercial sex act. A commercial sex act is any sex act where something of value – such as money, food, drugs or a place to stay – is given to or received by any person for sexual activity.
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is content that depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 18-years-old.
Let's face it, commercial sexual exploitation is a heinous crime that affects the most vulnerable in society. Sadly, it is the reality for many young people in the United States. So, what factors contribute to young people being at risk of commercial sexual exploitation?
Poverty and economic instability play a significant role. Youth who are economically disadvantaged are more likely to face situations where they may be lured into exploitation. Without access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, these young people are at risk of falling prey to opportunistic perpetrators.
A history of abuse and trauma can contribute to vulnerability. Studies have shown that young people who have faced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma are more likely to resort to activities like prostitution as a means of survival, often as a form of self-medication.
Homelessness and lack of stable housing can make young people more vulnerable. Without a stable housing situation, these youth may turn to commercial sexual exploitation out of desperation. In addition to the lack of safety and security, they may also experience exploitation and abuse from those who offer them temporary shelter in exchange for sexual favors.
Perpetrators of commercial sexual exploitation
Consequences of commercial sexual exploitation
The consequences of commercial sexual exploitation are vast and devastating. Victims' physical health is often severely impacted, with high rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and abortion.
The psychological effects of CSE are equally severe, causing long-term damage to a child's mental health, self-esteem, and trust in others. Socially, CSE traps its victims in a cycle of poverty and exploitation, making it challenging to escape economic instability and improve their quality of life. Moreover, survivors of CSE face barriers to education and employment opportunities, depriving them of skills needed to achieve career advancement and economic independence. Among those who undergo this experience, the stigma and shame associated with this form of abuse often hinder their ability to seek help and report their abusers.
Unfortunately, the consequences of CSE do not end when the survivor becomes an adult. Adults who experienced commercial sexual exploitation as children are more prone to further exploitation, including being re-victimized as adults, becoming involved in criminal activity or drug addiction, and even committing suicide.
It is imperative that we continue to strive for more significant awareness and collaborative community efforts to address CSE. By joining the fight against commercial sexual exploitation, we can raise awareness of its impact on society and support organizations working to provide survivors with the resources and services that they need to rebuild their life. Remember, every single person can make a difference.
Sex trafficking of children used to create such material has become a devastating consequence that has no end in sight. In fact, the situation has become a devastating statistic that leaves families in ruin and law enforcement scrambling to find a solution.
In 2021, of the 25,000 children reported missing to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who had run away, 1 in 6 were likely sex trafficking victims. 19% of the children who ran from the care of social services and were reported missing to NCMEC in 2020, were likely victims of child sex trafficking.
The most alarming statistic is that it affects an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 minors each year in America alone. It's disheartening to know that most of these victims remain unnoticed and voiceless, pushed to the fringes of society.
While any child can be targeted by a trafficker, research, data and survivor lived experience and expertise have revealed traffickers and buyers often target youth who lack strong support networks, have experienced violence in the past, are experiencing homelessness, or are marginalized by society.
When youth feel like they are not loved, supported in their identity and voice, or like they don’t belong they become ever more vulnerable to unsafe situations. Traffickers are masters of manipulation and prey upon vulnerabilities using psychological pressure, false promises actions of perceived love/support, and intimidation to control and sexually exploit the child for their benefit.The issue of child sex trafficking is complex. Understanding the various forms of child sex trafficking and indicators can create opportunities for prevention, identification, and response. Most importantly NCMEC embraces and encourages all efforts on this issue to be survivor-informed, child-centered, and trauma-informed.
Below are some examples of child sex trafficking:
Pimp-Controlled Trafficking
The child is trafficked by an unrelated individual, male or female, who often develops an intentional relationship with the child which is later used as leverage in the exploitation.
Familial Trafficking
The child is trafficked by a relative or a person who is perceived by the child to be a family member such as individuals referred to as “auntie” or “uncle” but are not directly related to the child.
Gang-Controlled Trafficking
The child is trafficked by a member of a gang or trafficked by the gang. Gangs leverage their organizational structure, violence, and local, national, and international networks to instill fear and loyalty in the child victim.
Buyer-Perpetrated Trafficking
The child is being trafficked but does not have a trafficker. Instead, the buyer is directly exploiting the child’s vulnerabilities by offering money, food, and/or shelter in exchange for the sexual exploitation.
What to Look For
Child sex trafficking victims often are unable to self-identify as victims or disclose their abuse because of fear, shame or loyalty to their abuser(s). It is not a child’s responsibility to ask for help. It is up to the professionals and trusted adults in these children’s lives to recognize the signs associated with child sex trafficking, so they can intervene and help them get the support they deserve. These red flags or indicators should not be considered a checklist or an assessment tool. Rather, if observed they may be an opportunity to ask more questions, make a report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline or connect the child to resources for prevention or intervention.
Physical Indicators:
- Signs of sexual or physical abuse
- Symptoms of neglect such as malnourishment
- Unaddressed or chronic medical/ dental issues or STIs
- Close association with an overly controlling adult
- Recovered at hotels, street tracks, truck
stops, or strip clubs; or other locations where
trafficking or commercial sex is known to occur - Has secret cell phones or apps providing
multiple cellphone numbers - In possession of material goods,
inconsistent to the child’s access to
money or socioeconomic status - In possession of bulk sexual paraphernalia
(such as bulk condoms or lubricant) - Living out of suitcases, at motels, or in a car,
or other evidence of housing insecurity - Unexplained access to large amounts of
cash, pre-paid credit cards, or hotel keys - Tattoos or branding, such as those
indicating money, matching those of
other known trafficking victims or that
the child is reluctant to explain - References traveling to other cities or
states while missing or lack of knowledge
of their current whereabouts - Drug dependency or frequent abuse of “party
drugs” such as GHB, Rohpnol®, Ketamine,
MDMA (Ecstasy), Methamphetamine
Current efforts to address CSE
The response to CSE has been multi-faceted, with a range of legislative, law enforcement, and community-based efforts aimed at ending this exploitation of our youth. Law enforcement efforts have included increased training for officers to recognize and identify victims of CSE, as well as investigations and prosecutions of those who engage in this activity. I
Legislation aimed at targeting and punishing those who exploit children through prostitution has been passed on both the federal and state levels. Non-profit organizations have also played a key role in the efforts to address CSE, with groups offering direct services to victims, such as counseling, medical care, and transitional housing.
These organizations have also focused on prevention efforts, offering education and outreach programs to youth who may be at risk of exploitation while advocating for stronger laws to protect victims and punish perpetrators.
Collaborative community efforts have also been successful in addressing CSE in local communities by bringing together law enforcement, advocates, and service providers to work towards identifying victims, providing support services, and collaborating on prevention efforts.
Building community awareness through outreach and education has been central to these efforts, and engaging community members in identifying and reporting potential indicators of exploitation has been a crucial step in preventing this exploitation from occurring.
We cannot ignore the alarming statistics of youth at risk for commercial sexual exploitation in the United States. Raising awareness about this issue is crucial to protect vulnerable youth and prevent CSE. We can make a difference by supporting non-profit organizations, volunteering our time, and donating resources. Collaborative community efforts and advocacy can also contribute to addressing CSE.
It is essential to understand the devastating consequences of CSE, including physical and psychological harm, and its socioeconomic impact. Therefore, we must continue the fight against CSE by supporting legislative and law enforcement efforts, engaging in meaningful conversations, and spreading awareness.
By joining the fight against commercial sexual exploitation, we can raise awareness of its impact on society and support organizations working to provide survivors with the resources and services that they need to rebuild their life. Remember, every single person can make a difference.
