The Issue
What is Sexual Exploitation of Children?
Sexual exploitation of children is one of the most serious and widespread forms of violence against children.
It refers to situations where a child is engaged in sexual activity in exchange for something of value — such as money, food, shelter, or protection — and where someone else benefits or takes advantage of this. Offenders could be individuals, groups, or larger networks, often intersecting with other forms of human rights abuse and neglect.
Children can be subjected to sexual exploitation in many settings:
- As a result of child trafficking for sexual purposes
- Through child, early, and forced marriage
- In online environments, including the production and sharing of child sexual abuse material, livestreaming of abuse, and online grooming
- In contexts of travel and tourism.
Who is most at risk?
No country or community is immune. These crimes affect children from all backgrounds and are often linked to wider social challenges like poverty, inequality, gender discrimination, conflict, and displacement. The risks are complex – and growing. For example, digital technologies have created new ways for offenders to target children, yet prevention and support systems often lag behind.
The harm caused by sexual exploitation is deep and long-lasting. It can lead to physical and mental health impacts, social isolation, and rejection by families or communities. At a global level, the cost of violence against children — including sexual exploitation — is estimated at US$7 trillion a year, or 8% of the world’s total income.
To end these crimes, we need strong, reliable evidence to guide action
ECPAT works to understand how sexual exploitation is evolving, and how to stop it. We work with more than 140 organisations in over 100 countries to conduct research, bring together global knowledge, and advocate for better laws, policies, and support systems that protect children and uphold their rights.
We also help children understand their rights, and connect those affected with information and support. And we work alongside survivors of child sexual exploitation to drive change and ensure their lived experience leads the way to a safer world for every child.
Learn more about our work.
Ending child sexual exploitation is possible — but we can’t do it alone.
Your support helps us protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse — and create a safer world for every child.
Resources
Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Developed by a global Interagency Working Group, these guidelines provide updated, survivor-centred, and precise language to describe sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The Guidelines help professionals, policymakers, and the media use words that protect rather than harm.
Learn more about the Guidelines and download.