CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) is a form of child abuse and sexual exploitation for which The CAC receives referrals and coordinates a response.
Definitions
CSEC (SAFE HARBOR PROVISION IN THE MA HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAW-2012)
Defines “sexually exploited child”
- Any person under the age of 18 who engages, agrees to engage or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee or in exchange for food, shelter, clothing, education or care.
Requires that mandated reporters file a report of suspected abuse and neglect (51A) on behalf of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
Requires a multidisciplinary team to coordinate
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (a person less than 18 years old.) CSAM is much more than photos and videos; it is a form of exploitation and abuse documented and shared across the internet in perpetuity. Every time an image is viewed, shared, paid for, or downloaded, the child is being re-victimized and a crime takes place, which is why if falls under human trafficking statutes.
Sexual Exploitation of Children in Southeastern Massachusetts
The Regional Report for 2024
The CAC of Bristol County will see over 200 CSEC cases a year.
CSEC is:
- A form of child sexual abuse
- Includes payment in the form of something of value to that child (money, goods, services)
- Preys on a child’s vulnerabilities
CSEC is NOT:
- Delinquency
- Promiscuity
- A choice. Victims are children and are unable to consent in any way.
Learn more about CSEC Trainings…
- CSEC (human trafficking) is a type of child sexual abuse and the CAC manages the case coordination for all reported CSEC cases in Bristol County.
- The identification of CSEC victims is crucial to ensure that these victims receive the appropriate supports and services.
- The goal of this training is to assist the community and professionals in effectively identifying and responding to suspicions of CSEC.
- This training offers information on defining CSEC, the nature and frequency of CSEC, identifying risk factors for victimization, recognizing indicators that a youth is a CSEC victim and aims to equip adults with an understanding of mandated reporting laws and their role as a first responder to suspected CSEC.
- Available to: Youth, Providers, Caregivers, & Parents
Contact:
- DCF Hotline if any suspicion of trafficking: 1-800-792-5200
- Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
- Human Trafficking Hotline: Text ‘HELP’ to 233733
- OR Non-Emergency On-Site, Samantha Willis: 508-674-6111 (EXT: 113)