What is it?
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) refers to a range of crimes where someone is profiting financially off the sexual abuse of a minor. This can include profiting off the exchange of sex for money or using child abuse imagery to make money. Any person under the age of 18 who is exchanging sex for money or something else of value (food, drugs, a place to stay) is considered a victim of CSEC under federal law.
What is the difference between "commercial sexual exploitation" and "sexual exploitation"?
The word "commercial" means "for money". When we talk about commercial sexual exploitation, we are talking about taking advantage of someone in a sexual way for a financial gain or incentive. It is possible to sexually exploit people for benefit without that benefit being financial. For example, treating someone unfairly in order to feel sexual gratification could be considered exploitative but not necessarily commercial. In that way, many forms of sexual violence are exploitative.
Is this happening in Maine?
Yes. It is estimated that between 300-400 people experience sex trafficking or exploitation each year in Maine. Not all of them are under 18, but many people report that the exploitation started when they were younger than 18. We still don't have enough data in Maine to project the prevalence of CSEC specifically - but we definitely know it happens here. You can read more on our Data page.
Who is it happening to?
Anyone can experience CSEC, but people with certain identities and experiences are targeted at higher rates. For example, youth who are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, involved with child protective services or juvenile justice, who have substance use disorder, and/or who experience housing insecurity are at disproportionate risk. Each of these risk factors is associated with a lack of systemic power and historic marginalization, and we know that people are more likely to be exploited when they cannot meet their basic needs (e.g. housing, food, substances, interpersonal connection). This is why supporting target populations is a critical part of trafficking prevention.
How would I know if a child is experiencing CSEC?
It is uncommon for kids to disclose trafficking. More likely, adults in the child's life have noticed things that make them suspicious that something might be going on. Some of the things adults might notice are:
* frequent unexplained absences from school
* trips to cities without social connections there
* sudden appearance of material goods that they normally could not afford
* "partying" and socializing with older people
* signs of being in a relationship with someone abusive and controlling (monitoring movement, fearful, detaching from support networks)
This CSEC Screening Tool can help with assessment and determining next steps.
What can I do if I suspect a child is experiencing CSEC?
If you are a mandated reporter (learn more about that here), you are legally required to report any suspicion that someone is experiencing CSEC since CSEC is a form of child abuse. When you call, be specific about what you have noticed that makes you concerned and also about what you think might be happening, for example, "I think this child might be being trafficked". If you are not a mandated reporter, you can still call the police or DHHS to report suspected abuse.
If you'd rather make an anonymous tip, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
There is also support available to survivors of violence and their loved ones 24/7 through the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741 and the Maine Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-HELP.
What is the response to kids experiencing CSEC in Maine?
If the DHHS or Law Enforcement receives a report where there are concerns about CSEC, they can refer the case to Children's Advocacy Centers. At CACs, a multi-disciplinary team joins together to make plans to assess safety and help the child and family get connected to local services (medical care, mental health care, case management, etc.). You can see more about how the CACs in Maine respond to CSEC here.
Sexual assault and domestic violence programs around the state engage in support to people who have experienced human trafficking at all ages. Advocates can help connect survivors to a network of support including therapy, support groups, case management, and survivor networks. Some programs also facilitate prevention and education programs. You can connect with these programs 24/7 through the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741 and the Maine Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-HELP.
How can we prevent CSEC?
Poverty, lack of economic opportunity, unstable housing, non-permanent immigration status, previous trauma or child sexual abuse, and other forms of oppression (like homophobia and racism) are the primary risk factors for human trafficking (including CSEC). CSEC can be the result of the failure of many systems, and the intersection of many forms of violence and oppression. For this reason, the most effective, far-reaching solutions are systemic at the community-level.
However, there are things you can do as an individual:
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) refers to a range of crimes where someone is profiting financially off the sexual abuse of a minor. This can include profiting off the exchange of sex for money or using child abuse imagery to make money. Any person under the age of 18 who is exchanging sex for money or something else of value (food, drugs, a place to stay) is considered a victim of CSEC under federal law.
What is the difference between "commercial sexual exploitation" and "sexual exploitation"?
The word "commercial" means "for money". When we talk about commercial sexual exploitation, we are talking about taking advantage of someone in a sexual way for a financial gain or incentive. It is possible to sexually exploit people for benefit without that benefit being financial. For example, treating someone unfairly in order to feel sexual gratification could be considered exploitative but not necessarily commercial. In that way, many forms of sexual violence are exploitative.
Is this happening in Maine?
Yes. It is estimated that between 300-400 people experience sex trafficking or exploitation each year in Maine. Not all of them are under 18, but many people report that the exploitation started when they were younger than 18. We still don't have enough data in Maine to project the prevalence of CSEC specifically - but we definitely know it happens here. You can read more on our Data page.
Who is it happening to?
Anyone can experience CSEC, but people with certain identities and experiences are targeted at higher rates. For example, youth who are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, involved with child protective services or juvenile justice, who have substance use disorder, and/or who experience housing insecurity are at disproportionate risk. Each of these risk factors is associated with a lack of systemic power and historic marginalization, and we know that people are more likely to be exploited when they cannot meet their basic needs (e.g. housing, food, substances, interpersonal connection). This is why supporting target populations is a critical part of trafficking prevention.
How would I know if a child is experiencing CSEC?
It is uncommon for kids to disclose trafficking. More likely, adults in the child's life have noticed things that make them suspicious that something might be going on. Some of the things adults might notice are:
* frequent unexplained absences from school
* trips to cities without social connections there
* sudden appearance of material goods that they normally could not afford
* "partying" and socializing with older people
* signs of being in a relationship with someone abusive and controlling (monitoring movement, fearful, detaching from support networks)
This CSEC Screening Tool can help with assessment and determining next steps.
What can I do if I suspect a child is experiencing CSEC?
If you are a mandated reporter (learn more about that here), you are legally required to report any suspicion that someone is experiencing CSEC since CSEC is a form of child abuse. When you call, be specific about what you have noticed that makes you concerned and also about what you think might be happening, for example, "I think this child might be being trafficked". If you are not a mandated reporter, you can still call the police or DHHS to report suspected abuse.
If you'd rather make an anonymous tip, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
There is also support available to survivors of violence and their loved ones 24/7 through the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741 and the Maine Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-HELP.
What is the response to kids experiencing CSEC in Maine?
If the DHHS or Law Enforcement receives a report where there are concerns about CSEC, they can refer the case to Children's Advocacy Centers. At CACs, a multi-disciplinary team joins together to make plans to assess safety and help the child and family get connected to local services (medical care, mental health care, case management, etc.). You can see more about how the CACs in Maine respond to CSEC here.
Sexual assault and domestic violence programs around the state engage in support to people who have experienced human trafficking at all ages. Advocates can help connect survivors to a network of support including therapy, support groups, case management, and survivor networks. Some programs also facilitate prevention and education programs. You can connect with these programs 24/7 through the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741 and the Maine Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-HELP.
How can we prevent CSEC?
Poverty, lack of economic opportunity, unstable housing, non-permanent immigration status, previous trauma or child sexual abuse, and other forms of oppression (like homophobia and racism) are the primary risk factors for human trafficking (including CSEC). CSEC can be the result of the failure of many systems, and the intersection of many forms of violence and oppression. For this reason, the most effective, far-reaching solutions are systemic at the community-level.
However, there are things you can do as an individual:
- Teach kids about consent and boundaries. You can read more about primary prevention for kids here.
- Support programs that meet basic needs for youth and families (e.g. food banks, housing organizations)
- Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about resources, events, and opportunities to support survivors.
- Advocate for awareness and training on this issue at your school or community and your work. You can request a training here.