Youth prostitution: a literature review

Abstract

This article reviews the academic literature on young people involved in prostitution. The prevalence and aetiology of youth prostitution and its links with drug use and criminal careers are explored. It argues that whatever the power of personal experiences which incline a person towards prostitution, prostitution can still only be possible in specific cultural conditions. The phenomenon of prostitution has the sexual double standard, poverty and an unequal labour market as prerequisites. We should not expect prostitution to either disappear or occur with equal frequency in men and women while these aspects of inequality continue. This article reviews debates on the particular challenges for service delivery and working together with this vulnerable group. In a civilized society, we should organize that the burden of inequalities which underlie prostitution should not be carried by children.

Consent, coercion and autonomy: Underage sex work in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…While the purchasing of sexual services from young people under the age of 18 is illegal in New Zealand, it is known to occur in a range of settings, and is viewed as an undeniable violation of children's rights within New Zealand's legislative framework despite the transactional nature of the offending (Ministry of Justice, 2002). However, attempts to investigate and target this phenomenon are hindered by the traumatic histories of adolescents using USW; the symptoms of which may perpetuate adolescents' involvement; adolescents' fear of stigma; and the largely hidden nature of the young person-client interactions (Saphira & Oliver, 2002;Halter, 2010;Cusick, 2002).…”

Sexual Exploitation in Children: Nature, Prevalence, and Distinguishing Characteristics Reported in Young Adulthood

“…This is evidenced by the common finding that exploitation is often not reported by children (Warrington, 2010). This may be because many children SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN YOUTH 9 are afraid of retribution by the perpetrator, they experience a mistrust of adults or agencies (Barnardos, 2004;Cusick, 2002) or they do not recognise they are being sexually exploited (Phoenix, 2012). Estimates also rely on professionals being able to recognise signs of sexual exploitation.…”

“…Yet, one of the challenges when discussing sexual exploitation in children directly is a difficulty in them acknowledging and then discussing such abuse. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as not believing it to be abuse, fear of harm if they discuss their abuse, along with a lack of trust (Barnardos, 2004;Cusick, 2002, Phoenix, 2012. As such, it could be argued that asking a young adult to reflect on their experiences when under the age of 16 may then allow a period of reflection and to maximise an ability where they feel more able to be truthful in their responses.…”

“…These include prior experiences of sexual abuse, poor parenting or maladjustment in the home (drugs, alcohol, violence), a history of residential care, friends' involvement in sexual exploitation, having run away from home, truanting, drug/alcohol use and homelessness (Barnardos, 2011;Beckett;Coy, 2009;Cusick, 2002;Cusick, Martin & May, 2003;Jago et. al., 2010;Lebloch & King, 2006;Pearce, Williams & Galvin, 2002).…”

Being aware of what we are doing

“…The language used to depict young prostitutes is not just a measure of the extent to which the issue has been obscured and denied. As Cusick (2002) notes, the way in which young prostitutes conceptualize themselves is likely to affect their readiness to seek support: those who conceive of themselves as sex workers or criminals are unlikely to approach helping agencies. The media will play a key role in shaping children and young people's perceptions of prostitution.…”