Commercial sexual exploitation of children: victim characteristics
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 24 October 2018
Issue publication date: 7 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The commercialized sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), specifically child trafficking, prostitution, pornography, and enticement, has become a burgeoning topic over the past several decades. The purpose of this paper is to determine the characteristics of those victims who were at risk for sex trafficking, prostitution, pornography, and traveling/enticement.
Design/methodology/approach
This observational, survey design includes a records review of 18 victims who were identified by the FBI Miami Field Office. Case illustrations are provided for a more in-depth analysis of CSEC victims.
Findings
The results of this paper indicated that hands-on sexual abuse and child prostitution were the most common CSEC offenses that victims experienced. Additionally, Caucasian females, between 13 and 18 years of age, were often victimized. Victims more frequently experienced web forms of sexual abuse and engaged in risky sexual behaviors outside of the victimization. Further, the majority of victims in the sample came from a low socioeconomic background and lived in a single-parent home.
Practical implications
The current results, combined with prior research, may aid law enforcement, mental health, and medical professionals in understanding potential characteristics correlated with various forms of CSEC offenses.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first descriptive studies involving case illustrations of CSEC victims.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
It has come to the attention of the publisher that the article Kristin Elizabeth Klimley, Alexis Carpinteri, Vincent B. Van Hasselt and Ryan A. Black, (2018) “Commercial sexual exploitation of children: victim characteristics”, published in the Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 217-228, https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-04-2018-0015, did not include Brandy Benson as a co-author of the article due to an editorial error. Emerald sincerely apologises to the authors for any inconvenience caused. Brandy Benson has now been added as third co-author to the article.
The statements and conclusions expressed herein do not, in any way, reflect or represent the opinions or position of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Citation
Klimley, K.E., Carpinteri, A., Benson, B., Van Hasselt, V.B. and Black, R.A. (2018), "Commercial sexual exploitation of children: victim characteristics", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 217-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-04-2018-0015
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited