The Intersection of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse: CSEC Red Flags
Throughout the month of April, organizations and individuals have been shedding light on sexual assault and child abuse prevention. Bringing awareness to these topics and moving them to the forefront of public conversation is so incredibly important, especially during a time like today when we are more isolated than ever, and those who live with their abusers and exploiters are forced to spend more time with them.
Sexual assault and child abuse are deeply intertwined with the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Of the youth referred to My Life My Choice in 2020, 89% had a history of abuse or neglect. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest, National Network (RAINN), child protective services in the U.S. confirms a claim of child sexual abuse every nine minutes.
We know that children who have been abused, neglected, or exposed to family violence or addiction are at higher risk of exploitation. This is why it is so important to know the signs of abuse and/or exploitation, and be able to identify them in children you interact with.
Some red flags of potential CSEC to know are:
Visible signs of abuse (i.e. cigarette burns, marks on body but not face, etc.)
Attire that is not appropriate for the season/situation
Frequently absent from school
History of going missing from care (“running away”)
Behaviors consistent with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Has new “friends” who are older teens or adults
Clothing/jewelry/phone has been upgraded over time in a way that can’t be accounted for by a family financial situation or job
Has a tattoo which they are reluctant to explain
Found in an area known for “prostitution” (either physical area or website)
Uses language from “the Life”
Is involved with an older male
Is involved with someone gang-involved
Being secretive about what they do online
Has a history of multiple sexually transmitted infections or pregnancies
If transitioning, has access to hormone injections outside the supervision of a medical provider
Is disconnected from family or other caregivers
It’s important to keep these conversations alive and remember that there is no such things as other people’s children and the commercial sexual exploitation of children is an egregious form of child abuse and sexual violence.