What Is Wrong with Us? The Growing Issue of Child Sex Trafficking Worldwide

Abstract

Sex trafficking of children and adolescents has been on the rise globally, particularly among the world’s most vulnerable individuals. These trafficked individuals, if they survive, are left with significant trauma, as well as severe mental and physical health issues and even disabilities. Approximately 80% of trafficked persons are women, and the average age of trafficking is in early adolescence. Sex trafficking of children and adolescents creates nearly irreparable harm and suffering for the individuals that survive, with very high rates of suicide and suicidal ideation resulting from their horrific abuse. Prevention and sexual abuse awareness are important for reducing the number of children and women that are trafficked. However, an even more effective tool is to address the buyer, or demand side, of the sex trafficking industry. Until the demand side and the buyers are sufficiently addressed, the industry will always exist because there is a demand to be met and a market for the services. This chapter explores the importance and critical necessity of addressing the poorly addressed issue of the buyer and the demand side of child sex trafficking.