Risk factors for exploitation of children
through prostitution
Familial issues
- Minimal parental involvement
- Lack of secure, reliable attachment to an adult
- Poor parent-child communication
- High levels of conflict in the home
- Neglectful / abusive home (physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse)
- Homelessness / multiple moves
- Parental mental illness / addiction
- Anti-social siblings
- Poverty
Social issues
- Association with antisocial peer group
- Experiences of racism
- Social isolation / rejection by peers
- Lack of connection to one's culture
- Presence of adult sex trade in the community
- High volume of unattached males in the community
- Known sexual offenders in the community
- Tendency to "hang out" frequently in public places
Personal issues
- Age (adolescents are at higher risk of being exploited)
- Low self-esteem
- Insecurity; niavete; impulsiveness
- Risk-taking and / or sensation-seeking behavior
- Substance abuse/addiction
- Involvement in criminal activity / involvement in the judicial system
- Poor school attendance
- School failure / lack of successes
- Poverty
- Confusion regarding sexual orientation
Adapted From: Sacred Lives: Canadian Aboriginal Children and Youth Speak Out about Sexual Exploitation, by Kinglsey + Mark, Published by Save the Children Canada, 2000; Kids in the Know: Risk and Protective Factors Checklist, Child Find Manitoba, 2006.