A systematic review of the state of the literature on sexually exploited boys internationally

Abstract

This systematic review assessed the current state of the literature on sexually exploited boys internationally. We aimed to describe what is known about sexual exploitation of boys, identify gaps in the literature, provide implications for practice, and make recommendations for future research. Multiple database searches were conducted using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords to capture child and adolescent sexual exploitation. Our search identified 11,099 unique references and excluded studies that did not include male participants less than 18 years old or disaggregate results by relevant age groups and/or by sex. This review identified 42 studies from 23 countries, providing evidence that sexual exploitation of boys is an issue in both high- and low-income countries. Seventeen articles had sexual exploitation as their primary variable of interest, the majority of which sampled boys who accessed services (i.e., shelters, health care, social, and justice services). Boys' experiences of sexual exploitation varied in terms of venue, exploiters, and compensation. Compared to their non-sexually exploited peers, sexually exploited boys more commonly reported experiences of child abuse, substance use, conduct problems, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Despite increasing evidence that boys are sexually exploited around the world, the current literature provides limited data about the antecedents, sequelae, and the specific features of sexual exploitation experiences among boys. Further research is needed to inform, policy, social services and health care delivery specific to the needs of sexually exploited boys.

Adolescents Selling Sex and Sex as Self-Injury

“…The studies confirmed earlier research indicating that boys are an important part of adolescents selling sex, which is often in opposition to the general awareness within society (Kaestle, 2012;McNeal & Walker, 2016;Mossige et al, 2007;Moynihan et al, 2018;Pedersen & Hegna, 2003;Svedin & Priebe, 2007). Further, Study II might help us to understand the gender bias that has been seen in the existing literature regarding adolescents selling sex, where boys are seldom seen in clinical samples (Mitchell et al, 2017;Moynihan et al, 2018).…”

“…Hence, the selling of sex among adolescents could often be seen as an independent act where no pimp or adult is involved (Edinburgh et al, 2015;Fredlund et al, 2013;Jonsson et al, 2014). The buyers has been described as both male and female (Fredlund et al, 2013;Lavoie et al, 2010;Moynihan et al, 2018) and in a Swedish interview study, the buyers were described as mostly men but a heterogeneous group in regard to age, occupation and civil status (Jonsson & Svedin, 2012).…”

“…Brazil, Pakistan and Ghana, the numbers are as high as 16-45%. Six studies were found reporting both males and females to be sexual exploiters of boys (Moynihan et al, 2018). In a Canadian clinical study of bisexual and homosexual men, 10% had been selling sex before the age of 18 years and the selling of sex was associated with current depression (Ratner et al, 2003).…”

“…According to the review, sexually exploited boys had more experience of child abuse, substance use (drugs and alcohol), conduct problems and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and self-injury compared to their peers (Moynihan et al, 2018). In a Norwegian study, male adolescents selling sex were found to have more loneliness and internalized mental health symptoms compared to girls selling sex, and drug abuse was common (Pedersen & Hegna, 2003).…”

From villain to victim

“…The sexual abuse of children and adolescents for economic gain, more commonly known as the “commercial sexual exploitation of children” (CSEC) is an atrocious crime (Albanese, 2007; Barnitz, 2001), yet little is known about it. For example, no one knows for certain the extent to which CSEC occurs, who are the perpetrators involved, and how many children are victims (Barnert et al., 2017; Moynihan et al., 2018). No one knows whether programs to address the needs of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation benefit or harm them (Dell et al., 2017; Gerassi, 2017; Goldberg & Moore, 2018).…”