Toward a Global Definition and Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation: The Development of a Conceptual Model

Abstract

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a serious and persistent global issue affecting up to 5% of the child and youth population worldwide; yet there is no universally accepted definition. To develop a theoretically robust definition of CSE, this review systematically synthesized literature examining CSE definitions aiming to develop a conceptual model and typology. Electronic databases were searched to February 2021, yielding 384 nonduplicative records. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed and grey literature investigations of sexual exploitation, with a mean sample age of 18 years or younger, available in the English language. Literature review and data extraction followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Sixty-six studies met final inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and used an epistemological approach to thematically analyse meaning and patterns across CSE definitions. Key findings demonstrate that CSE nomenclature is widely inconsistent, and despite growing awareness of this severe form of abuse, language continues to perpetuate stigma and criminalisation, utilising terms such as ‘adolescent or child prostitute’. Our findings propose a scientifically and trauma-informed definition and conceptualisation of CSE, based on the following four-dimensional components: (1) A child/young person; (2) sexual acts; (3) abuse; and (4) exploitation (abuse + exchange). In this systematic review, a unified definition and conceptual model aims to advance knowledge and understanding of CSE, contributing to the progression of social norms which embrace nuances of trauma-informed practice and support for the identification and recovery of children, young people and families affected by sexual exploitation.

Child sexual abuse and its determinants among children in Addis Ababa Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The stimulant effect of khat chewing exposes children to feelings of sexual activity such as watching pornographic movies, which make them to easily manipulated by perpetrators [ 47 ]. Evidence indicated that perpetrators of sexual abuse usually use substances such as alcohol, chat, and cigarette as tool to take advantage of someone who is vulnerable and lacking capacity for decision making [ 48 , 49 ]. In this review, gender is identified as determinants of child sexual abuse.…”

The shame of sexual violence towards women in rural areas

“…In the context of children, the definition also includes procurement or grooming, SA, adverse sexual experiences, child sexual victimisation, and sexual exploitation (Mathews & Collin‐Vézina, 2019). Sexual exploitation is considered to be any act of abuse or attempted abuse in exploitive relationships where the survivor is in a position of vulnerability and the perpetrator has power over the survivor, and can include transactional/solicitation of sex in exchange for money, or other forms of remuneration such as social or political gain (Laird et al., 2022). Sexual harassment includes unwanted physical contact, sexual invitations, sex‐based taunts, insults, comments or innuendo, and exposure to pornographic material (Saunders & Easteal Am, 2013).…”

Empowering Young People with Special Educational Needs to Recognize and Report Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: A Mixed-Methods Review

“…For this review, the term CSEA incorporates child sexual abuse, that is, a harmful act occurring: (a) within a relationship of power, (b) where the young person holds a position of inequality and whose vulnerability is exploited, and (c) without true consent (Laird et al, 2022). Child sexual exploitation, according to a recent systematic review of 66 studies, is defined as:…”