What is Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)?
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), also known as child sex trafficking, is a form of child abuse in which any youth under age 18:
- engages in,
- agrees to engage in, or
- offers to engage in
a sexual act in exchange for something of value (or the promise of something of value) to the youth. In exchange for a sexual act, youth may be offered money, shelter, food, transportation, education, gifts, or care.
It is a serious crime that occurs at rates much higher than most people realize.
Force, fraud, or coercion are not necessary when victims are under age 18. While the age of consent in Massachusetts is 16, anyone under age 18 cannot consent to CSEC; they are still considered a victim under the law, even if they do not see themselves as or identify as a victim.
The sexual act does not need to have already happened in order to be considered exploitation. It may have only been discussed, offered, or agreed to.
It is called commercial sexual exploitation because this form of child abuse involves an exploiter (commonly known as a "pimp" or "trafficker") giving something of value to a child (age 17 or younger) in exchange for a sexual act. The commercial aspect (the intention to trade or to make a profit) separates the crime of trafficking from other crimes such as sexual assault or rape.
CSEC can happen ANYWHERE and may include:
- Street prostitution
- Pornography
- Stripping
- Erotic/nude massage
- Phone sex lines
- Escort services
- Private parties
- Gang-based prostitution
- Interfamilial pimping
- Forms of internet-based exploitation
Exploiters target vulnerable youth, many of whom have histories as survivors of abuse, neglect, or running away. What initially seems like love and security often turns into control, manipulation, and violence, making it extremely difficult for youth to step forward, identify as victims, or seek help.