Child Pornography and Prostitution (From Child Sexual Abuse: A Handbook for Health Care and Legal Professionals, P 153-165, 1988, Diane H Schetky and Arthur H Green, eds. -- See NCJ-113435)

• NCJ Number: 113437
• Author(s): D H Schetky
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Brunner/Mazel, Inc.
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reviews the legal definitions of pornography and child pornography, the nature of child pornography and its effects on the children involved, and the nature of and legal responses to child prostitution along with prevention and rehabilitation.

Abstract

Child pornography is 'any visual reproduction of the sexual abuse of children' (Schoettle, 1980). Although the sale of child pornography is illegal throughout the Nation, some States have not criminalized the possession of it. Child pornography and child sexual abuse are intertwined, because pedophiles are avid collectors and producers of child pornography. Studies of children who have been involved in pornography report genital complaints, other somatic complaints, behavioral changes, and post-traumatic stress symptoms following disclosure. Stronger penalties for those who produce and sell pornography should help deter the child sexual abuse it occasions. Child prostitution stems largely from the problem of runaway girls enticed by pimps into prostitution. Prevention should focus on family problems that place youth at risk of running away from home. In the area of rehabilitation, specially trained youth officers should be assigned to juvenile prostitutes. 36 references.