WHAT IS CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING?

Child sex trafficking is a form of child abuse that occurs when a child under 18 is advertised, solicited or exploited through a commercial sex act. A commercial sex act is the exchange of anything of value – such as money, drugs or a place to stay for sexual activity. Traffickers can be anyone who profits from the selling of a child for sex to a buyer, including: family members, foster parents, gangs, and perceived trusted adults or romantic partners. In some cases, there is no identified trafficker, and it is the person buying sex from the child who is exploiting the child’s vulnerabilities. For instance, if a child runs away, a buyer may exploit the child’s need for food and shelter by offering to provide that in exchange for sex. Not every report NCMEC receives involves a missing child. Some reports include children being exploited while still living at home and going to school, sometimes by their own family. Other children who are particularly vulnerable to trafficking include homeless youth who have been kicked out due to lack of acceptance of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In many situations, due to the trauma and manipulation from the trafficker, survivors will feel as if they are responsible for their own victimization, in some cases even defending their abuser. It’s important to remember to meet survivors where they are at in understanding their victimization while also ensuring their rights and access to services as a victim of a crime are honored.