Child Prostitution and Child Pornography: Medical, Legal, and Societal Aspects of the Commercial Exploitation of Children (From Sexual Abuse of Children: Selected Readings, P 77-81, 1980, Barbara McComb Jones, Linda L Jenstrom, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-121427)

• NCJ Number: 121428
• Author(s): J Densen-Gerber
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Child prostitution and child pornography are widespread and represent a multimillion dollar industry, as documented by the cooperative research of the Odyssey Institute and several academicians.

Abstract

Experts believe that at least 300,000 male prostitutes under age 16 are active in the United States and that at least as many females under age 16 are also involved. Child prostitutes are often recruited from rural areas or midwestern cities. Some leave homes of violence and sexual abuse, while others are mentally ill or are bored or lonely because of neglectful parents. Many travel from city to city, and experience both physical and psychological impacts. Those who use children sexually are almost all men and are mainly white. Prevention measures should include greater attention to developing strong values, improved sex education, and the organization of community networks. Child pornography is also widespread, with at least 264 magazines produced in 1977 that depicted children in sexual acts. Filmmakers and magazine photographers recruit children easily, using their own children, buying children from others, or using runaways. The children used in this way experience psychological harm that can lead to other significant long-term problems. Measures needed to address this problem include increased public awareness, changes in laws regarding pornography, and the development of intervention and treatment programs for victims. 17 reference notes.