Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Mexico

Age-Graded Risks for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Male and Female Youth

“…As a result, information regarding risks and life circumstances affecting age of onset for boys or young men in CSE/prostitution is distinctly missing from scholarly research (Reid, 2012; Vanwesenbeeck, 2013). This scarcity of research exists despite growing evidence that both male and female youth are susceptible to CSE, with some studies reporting equal or greater prevalence of sexually exploited boys in comparison to girls (Azaola, 2000; Curtis, Terry, Dank, Dombrowski, & Khan, 2008; Edwards, Iritani, & Hallfors, 2006; Saewyc, Drozda, Rivers, MacKay, & Peled, 2013). For example, Azaola (2000) found that the proportion of girls to boys in six regions with high levels of CSE in Mexico was determined by demand—in some regions exploited boys were more prevalent and in other areas girls were more prevalent.…”

“…This scarcity of research exists despite growing evidence that both male and female youth are susceptible to CSE, with some studies reporting equal or greater prevalence of sexually exploited boys in comparison to girls (Azaola, 2000; Curtis, Terry, Dank, Dombrowski, & Khan, 2008; Edwards, Iritani, & Hallfors, 2006; Saewyc, Drozda, Rivers, MacKay, & Peled, 2013). For example, Azaola (2000) found that the proportion of girls to boys in six regions with high levels of CSE in Mexico was determined by demand—in some regions exploited boys were more prevalent and in other areas girls were more prevalent. Due to emerging evidence that male youth are also affected by CSE and sustain detrimental consequences, the purpose of this study was to assess whether risks and life circumstances found to influence the age of onset of CSE for girls and young women operated similarly with boys and young men.…”

“…Child maltreatment, particularly experiencing sexual abuse, has been found to result in greater susceptibility to CSE for both boys and girls (Azaola, 2000; Curtis et al, 2008; Estes & Weiner, 2005; Kennedy et al, 2012; Lavoie, Thibodeau, Gagné, & Hébert, 2010; Reid, 2011; Saewyc & Edinburgh, 2010; Saewyc, MacKay, Anderson, & Drozda, 2008). Proposed mechanisms of the increased susceptibility to further exploitation include mental health problems or psychological disorders resulting from child maltreatment, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or early substance use (Bender, 2010; Reid, 2011).…”

Applying General Strain Theory to Youth Commercial Sexual Exploitation

“…While studies generally have indicated a higher prevalence of women and girls in CSE/prostitution in comparison with the number of boys and men, researchers interviewing youth involved in CSE in New York City found that boys had higher prevalence rates than girls (Curtis, Terry, Dank, Dombrowski, & Khan, 2008). Azaola (2000) evaluated sexually exploited youth in six areas in Mexico and found that the proportion of girls to boys varied greatly across cities and depended on the local market demand, whether the majority of buyers were seeking sex with boys or girls.…”