What is Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation is the sexual abuse of children and youth through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for food, shelter, a ride, drugs/alcohol, or money. This includes activities such as porn, stripping, phone sex, unwanted ‘sexting’ and Internet sex.

Thousands of people are involved in the sexual exploitation of children and youth. It is a problem in the Lower Mainland, throughout British Columbia, and across Canada. Many other countries are also dealing with this issue.

Most children and youth don’t make a conscious decision to trade sex. They are often forced or manipulated into it by others who want sex from them or want to profit from it.

Sexual exploitation is not a lifestyle choice – it’s child abuse.