Global Commercial and Sexual Exploitation of Children

Author: Laser-Maira, Julie Anne; Hounmenou; Charles & Peach, Donna

Abstract: The term commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) refers to the for-profit sexual exploitation of children and youth through buying, trading, or selling sexual acts. CSEC is a subset of children and youth who are victims of human trafficking or trafficking in persons (TIP). The Stockholm Declaration defines CSEC as a form of coercion and violence against children that amounts to forced labor and a contemporary form of slavery; there are many forms of CSEC, including child prostitution, child marriage, early marriage, forced marriage, temporary marriage, mail-order brides, child labor, child servitude, domestic servitude, begging, massage, sex tourism, child pornography, online streaming of sexual abuse, sexual extortion of children, and sexual solicitation of children. Not all experiences of sexual servitude are globally recognized. It is critical to explore the concepts of race, inequality, power, culture, and globalization and how they impact the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

Keywords: human trafficking, CSEC, commercial sexual exploitation of children, CSEC regionally, CSEC in Europe, CSEC in the United States, CSEC in Latin America, CSEC in sub-Saharan Africa, CSEC in the Middle East, CSEC in Asia, CSEC in Australia