Sexual Exploitation
What is sexual exploitation?
Sexual exploitation can take many forms. In this context, sexual services may be exchanged for:
- Gifts
- Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.
- Money
- Shelter
- Transportation
Warning signs of sexual exploitation
The signs that youth may be experiencing sexual exploitation can take many forms. While these signs do not necessarily confirm on their own that a young person is exchanging sexual services, they indicate the importance of remaining attentive and intervening when needed:
- Sexual conversations or sharing sexually explicit photos with unknown individuals through social media.
- Possession of money, clothing, jewelry, cell phones, or other items of unknown origin.
- Encouragement by a third party to engage in criminal activities (e.g., theft, drug trafficking, assault).
- Dishonesty about daily activities and sources of income.
- Use of secret social media accounts to post explicit content.
- Debt owed to a third party, accompanied by proposals for repayment through non-financial means.
- Pressure or coercion to engage in sexual activities, sometimes with unfamiliar individuals.
- Traveling with someone who is not well known for financial purposes.
- Physical, sexual, or technology-facilitated sexual violence perpetrated by a third party.
- Association with individuals involved in sexual exploitation.
Terms to prioritize to talk about
sexualexploitation
The language used with youth experiencing sexual exploitation has a direct influence on their level of trust, respect for their dignity, and their power to act. It is therefore essential to adopt a posture of benevolent neutrality by using respectful and non-stigmatizing vocabulary.
These terms should be prioritized in everyday language. Nevertheless, it is recommended to adapt your vocabulary to that of the youth in order to better adapt to their perception of the situation.
Avoid
Prioritize
Differentiating between sexual exploitation
and sex work
Age and consent are key factors in distinguishing sexual exploitation from sex work. Under the law, a minor cannot provide free, informed, enthusiastic, and ongoing consent to the exchange of sexual services.
Even in adulthood, sexual exploitation can coexist with sex work. These realities are not mutually exclusive and are part of a complex continuum, requiring nuanced approaches when offering support to the people concerned.
The consent
Sexual exploitation
Sex work
Age
Sexual exploitation
Sex work
The legislation
Sexual exploitation
Sex work
Myths and realities about
sexual exploitation
Sexual exploitation is often surrounded by preconceived notions and enduring narratives. Demystifying this issue is essential to better understand it and support those affected.
"It can take multiple attempts before successful exiting sexual exploitation."
Reality
According to research, it takes an average of 6 to 7 attempts before a person successfully exits their sexually exploitative situation for good.
"Sexual exploitation only affects minors."
Myth
People of any age can be victims of sexual exploitation. If an adult is forced to exchange sexual services against their will, and is thus not consenting, it is considered sexual exploitation. In the case of minors, however, any exchange of sexual services is considered exploitation under the law regardless of whether consent is present.
"Sexually exploited persons always have substance abuse issues."
Myth
Youth in sexual exploitation do not always have substance abuse issues.
"People in sexual exploitation cannot escape it."
Myth
Through a process of social integration and adaptation of new habits, it is possible to exit sexual exploitation.
"Sexual exploitation and sex work are the same thing."
Myth
Sex work refers to a consensual exchange of sexual services for money, goods, or other services. Inversely, sexual exploitation involves a relationship of authority, of abuse of power or of trust as opposed to one that is egalitarian with freely given, informed, and explicit consent.
"Woman sometimes recruit and sexually exploit others."
Reality
Although men are behind most situations of sexual exploitation, each individual situation is different, and people of any gender can recruit or sexually exploit others.
"Youth in sexual exploitation are always in difficulty or AWOL."
Myth
Anyone can fall into a situation of sexual exploitation. The people who recruit and exploit use diverse manipulation tactics to find and take advantage of the vulnerabilities of others.
"Sexually exploited youth may perceive certain advantages as offered by this milieu."
Reality
Even though the advantages are often short-term, sexually exploited youth can perceive diverse benefits from their situation such as money, validation, independence, or safety.
