Bshs 407 - Child Exploitation Paper

Child Exploitation Paper

William Turner

BSHS 407

2/29/2016

Professor Deborah Ayers

Child Exploitation Paper

Exploitation is defined as the use of a person for forms of sexual activities such as prostitution, or forcing a person into a labor of services with a minor under the age of 18 years of age. In this paper I explain the effects of child exploitation on the child and the family. I will also examine the effects of child pornography, child prostitution and child labor on the child as well as how technology contributes to child exploitation. And finally from the aspect of a human services professional, what are their roles when identifying and intervening in cases of child exploitation.

Child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Child pornography does not intentionally have to be images of a minor engaging in sexual activity, but can be as simple as a naked minor being sexually suggestive. Crimes of child pornography are usually committed through electronic devices such as computers via the internet. Although laws are created to combat and arrest those responsible for child pornography it is still very difficult and large amounts of children are being exploited daily. There are very precise guidelines when attempting to prosecute perpetrators of child pornography. The U.S. constitution protects freedom of expression along with simple pornography which is part of the first amendment, but it doesn’t protect against obscene material with the intent to sale, or distribute and can be prosecuted. Child pornography is growing via the internet and is most widely sold and distributed in Japan, while the U.S. has the largest percentage of illegal websites dedicated to child pornography. Children who are victims of child pornography suffer from psychological stress, sense of hopelessness, mistrust and fear.

Child prostitution occurs mostly with children at eh age of 14 even though some may be forced into prostitution at a younger age. Child prostitution is defined as engaging in or offering sexual services by a child for money or other services. Children who are forced into prostitution usually are those who are runaways, rebellious or have some form of addiction to drugs. These children while fighting to survive out on their own are vulnerable to many predators that may offer to help them get off the streets or help them to get on their feet. Once the predator has gained the trust of the naive and vulnerable child, he then introduces them into a world of prostitution and fast money. The person who introduces the child into the world of prostitution is referred to as a pimp. The pimp who has befriended the child now begins to provide her with companionship, support and a sexual relationship soon begins to demand that she has sex with others as a show of love for him. As time passes the child becomes turned by the pimp and is forced to perform sexually for money. The pimp maintains his power over the child by threats of violence and abuse and from that point forward the relationship resembles that of an abusive relationship. There are two forms of child prostitution one is domestic that we discussed and the second in international prostitution. International prostitution although similar to domestic prostitution involves the trafficking of the child which may be the result of kidnapping, or being sold by their parents or guardians for money. Children are usually kidnapped from the poorest countries and are often beaten and raped while being trafficked. While being trafficked, children are subjected to live in poor conditions. Conditions that consist of lack of food, poor hygiene and are exposed to various illnesses and diseases. Many countries look at child prostitution as help to an already struggling economy so they overlook prostitution. For countries that are poverty stricken, the selling of their child into prostitution gets them the monetary gain they need to help them live. International prostitution usually involves crime networks that operate through various countries and are the main source of trafficking and selling these children .Children are left experiencing feelings of hopelessness, humiliation, and fear as well psychological disorders that will last them a lifetime without getting the proper attention.