NCJ Number
208944
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2005 Pages: 4-25
Date Published
January 2005
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews recent information and data regarding the commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
Information for this paper was collected in the fall of 2003 from literature and Internet searches as well as from personal contact with British specialists who work in this domain. For the purpose of this review, "commercial sexual exploitation" was distinguished from sexual abuse per se by focusing on the use of children and youth for some form of financial benefit. The analysis determined that the commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children and youth in the United Kingdom is in three distinct areas: abuse through prostitution, abuse through pornography, and the trafficking of children and youth to and through the United Kingdom for CSE. The literature review included an examination of strategies for intervening on behalf of children and youth at risk of or exploited through prostitution, pornography, and trafficking. The review found, however, that there are few studies to date that have evaluated the outcomes of various interventions. Most reports describe the types of services provided and the types of children and youth they support. Overall, the strategies to counter juvenile prostitution are holistic, nonjudgmental, and multidimensional support services, based largely on harm minimization rather than "quick fixes." Strategies to counter child pornography have included legal and regulatory approaches by governments; policies of self-regulation by the Internet industry; and actions by individuals, parents, and civic groups. Some measures recommended for countering trafficking for CSE include the provision of safety and extended leave to remain in the United Kingdom for those trafficked, the establishment of a Helpline for victims, and training for local authorities in recognizing and responding to trafficking in their jurisdictions. 73 references