RESOURCES
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Terms and Definitions
An umbrella term, generally encompassing sexual crimes against children where the primary motivation is sexual in nature and not commercial. CSE is form of child sexual abuse where another person uses any combination of physical or emotional coercion or enticement to sexually abuse or exploit the child. CSE can occur in person or remotely online or any combination of both. CSE can take many forms including CSAM, LSSE, and TCSO.
CSAM is the Production, Distribution, and/or Possession of visual depictions of a child or of children being sexually assaulted or exploited (actual or simulated). It is considered CSAM if a child is depicted in a lewd of lascivious display of the genitalia whether the offender is in-person or remote.
LSSE occurs when an offender with access to minor children sexually exploits them live on camera for an offender remotely. If the arrangement involves a commercial transaction this becomes a form of Child Sex Trafficking.
A TCSO occurs when a person travels across an interstate or international boundary to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. A TCSO is an in-person offense. A TCSO is CSE when the arrangement is not commercial, or a commercial act cannot or is difficult to prove. A TCSO can be Child Sex Trafficking if a commercial act is transacted for the sexual act.
Also referred to as Sextortion , this is a form of CSAM where an offender remotely entices/coerces a minor to engage in sexual conduct and the offender records that conduct and then utilizes the threat of release or distribution of the material to extort the minor into engaging in more egregious conduct. The CSAM produced by the offender is often then distributed by the offender to other offenders or posted in Darknet forums.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Terms and Definitions
Trafficking that is perpetrated by an unrelated individual who intentionally develops a relationship with the child, which they later use as leverage to facilitate the exploitation.
Trafficking that is perpetrated by a gang or member of a gang. Gangs instill fear and loyalty in the child victim by leveraging their organizational structure, violence, and local, national, and international networks.
Trafficking that is perpetrated by a relative or individual who has a familial-type relationship to the child. Examples of non-relatives perceived by the child to have a familial relationship to them may be a family friend they refer to as an “aunt” or “uncle”.
Trafficking that is perpetrated without an identified trafficker. In these cases, the buyer exploits the child victim’s vulnerabilities directly by offering money, food, and/or shelter in exchange for CSAM.
RISK FACTORS
Below are some common risk factors that may increase the chances of a child becoming the victim of Child Sexual Exploitation. This list is not exhaustive, and many of these risk factors may be present on their own or appear co-morbidly.
SOCIETAL/ENVIRONMENTAL
- Racism
- Bullying
- Lack of Resources
- Involvement in Child Welfare or Juvenile Justice Systems
- Gang Activity
- Sexism
- Xenophobia
FAMILIAL
- Inter-Generational Sexual Abuse
- Lack of Acceptance of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation
- Housing Instability/Homelessness
- Immigration Status
- Domestic Violence
- Household Substance Abuse
- Physical/Emotional Neglect or Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Families with Untreated Mental Health Issues
INDIVIDUAL
- History of Trauma
- Lack of Supportive Family or Adult Figures
- Low Self-Esteem
- Developmental or Physical Disability
- Substance Abuse
HELP RESOURCES
National Human Trafficking Hotline
