NCJ Number
125588
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Runaway and homeless children constitute a prime target of many pedophiles, and the problem of sexual exploitation of children by pedophiles is growing in the United States.
Abstract
The two most common and publicized forms of sexual exploitation are child prostitution and child pornography. Runaway and homeless youth are frequently the victims of both. The number of children involved in prostitution is estimated as high as 600,000. Because sexual exploitation is usually a private matter, however, it is virtually impossible to know precisely how many children are involved in pornography. Pedophiles tend to have a constant desire for sex with children in a specific age range. Studies indicate that the typical pedophile has an average of 235 victims in his lifetime. The plight of runaway children and their victimization by pedophiles is a particularly severe problem in major cities where a large number of children run away. The law enforcement community must be educated about the nature of the problem, and police officers must aggressively develop leads and gather intelligence. Another way of attacking the pedophile problem involves the creation of a Child Exploitation Response Team (CERT) within the police department. The CERT can use various techniques to insure the arrest and prosecution of pedophiles, such as letter writing, phone contacts, computer contacts, and surveillance. 10 endnotes.