ABSTRACT
One of society’s dirty secrets is slowly being unveiled. In recent years, the sexual exploitation of children has gained increased attention in the field of mental health, the legal system, and the media. This multi-billion dollar commercial industry that involves the sexual abuse of children and adolescents via the exchange of sexual favors for payment (e.g., money, material goods, drugs, food, shelter) or pornography is referred to as the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). The CSEC population has a unique and complicated set of needs, often misunderstood by society and law enforcement, as they are frequently seen as willing participants and arrested when found engaging in prostitution.
