“I Don’t Want Anyone to Follow My Path:” Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Dominican Republic

Author: Escobar Olivo, Veronica; Parada, Henry & Limón Bravo, Fabiola

Abstract: The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) involves children in any sexual exchange with an adult for compensation – monetary or non-monetary. This article seeks to understand the impact of global economies on local realities and how these complex systems impact the everyday realities of young, impoverished children in the Dominican Republic. The findings are based on 18 interviews with children who were sexually exploited for compensation and seven interviews with eight parents of children who had been sexually exploited. The findings indicate that children firmly believed that they decided to engage in sexually exploitative encounters; however, all participants expressed, to some degree, that they did not have a choice. Similarly, parents felt powerless when it came to their children’s ‘decision’ to engage in sexually exploitative encounters. Lastly, nearly all the participants cautioned other children not to engage in sexual exchanges for compensation due to the emotional toll it had on them and their families.

Keywords: The Dominican Republic, trafficking of persons, commercial sexual exploitation of children, sex tourism, children