Child sexual exploitation, poly-victimisation and resilience

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the prevalence of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and factors connected in a young adult population, through a series of connected studies. Each study considered exposure to poly-victimisation. The series of studies focussed on a number of factors felt to impact vulnerability and protective factors towards CSE. Specifically caregiver bonds, resilience and attachment style, adolescent risk-taking, quality of caregiver bonds, level/type of supportive relationships and positive schemas, as well as the impact of CSE disclosure and links to attachment style and maladaptive schemas. Design/methodology/approach These studies looked at a young adult population, mainly women. Study one (n = 263), study two (n = 138) and study three (n = 211), predominantly collected via a series of online measures. Findings Findings demonstrated that around half of children under 16 years had been approached sexually by an adult, with approximately one in four children subsequently exploited. Various results were noted, such as experiencing a primary caregiver as lacking in warmth and affection was associated with those reporting CSE, with further exposure to poly-victimisation contributing to a less functional coping style and insecure attachments. CSE was not associated with higher levels of adolescent risk-taking, poor bonds with the primary caregiver, fewer important childhood relationships and positive schemas. Practical implications This paper notes the importance of addressing the functions of behaviours for victims, to reduce re-victimisation risk. It noted the importance of applying theory when working with this population. It introduced the protect and vulnerability model against CSE and has practical applications for professionals working with victims of CSE. This paper argues the importance of individualised assessments for children who are deemed to be “at-risk” of CSE. Originality/value Findings were combined to propose the protection against the CSE model and the application of this to intervention and future research is acknowledged.

Risk and Protective Factors for Sexual Exploitation in Male and Female Youth From a Cross-Cultural Perspective: A Systematic Review

“…Multiple studies (n = 17), from several continents, found a connection between compromised parenting and family functioning and sexual exploitation (the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Uganda, and the Philippines). This risk factor was captured in these studies via different measures (e.g., poor nurturing, conflicts between child and parents, unhealthy family relationships, parental attachment, and caregiver absence) and was found in both male and female youth (Acharya & Bryson Clark, 2021;Alderson et al, 2021;Chohaney, 2016;Cole, 2018;Fraley & Aronowitz, 2021;Helpingstine et al, 2021;Homma et al, 2012;Hornor et al, 2022;Louie, 2018;Macias-Konstantopoulos et al, 2013McNeal & Walker, 2016;O'Brien, 2018;Reid & Piquero, 2016;Self-Brown et al, 2021;Silverman et al, 2007;Williams et al, 2012). Three studies made a gender comparison, of which two found gender differences.…”