@article{ref1,
title="Sexual exploitation of children: barriers for boys in accessing social supports for victimization",
journal="Child abuse and neglect",
year="2023",
author="Kavenagh, Mark and Hua, Nicholas and Wekerle, Christine",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The global evidence regarding sexual exploitation of children (SEC) is expanding, however, the majority of research continues to focus on girls. ECPAT International's Global Boys Initiative is a major contribution to broadening knowledge by exploring how sexual exploitation impacts boys specifically. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: This discussion paper explores data from the initiative to better understand how boys and children of all genders may be impacted by sexual exploitation. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: During 2019-21, research was undertaken by ECPAT member organizations into the sexual exploitation of boys in 10 primarily low-and-middle income countries globally. The initiative also supported a global systematic scoping review of published and gray literature published in this issue (Moss et al., in press). <br><br>METHODS: Gender norms analysis of Initiative data identifies critical thematic issues impairing access to support services for victimized boys. <br><br>RESULTS: Most disconcerting is gender-based stigmatization from services that can compound children's trauma. Justice-based, rather than trauma-informed models of support predominate in responses for boys. Legal frameworks create barriers when binary gendered terminology defines sexual violence, thereby excluding anyone other than women and girls from protection. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Three solutions emerged to improve access to support for more children affected by sexual exploitation: (1) challenge problematic gender norms and consequent practices, such as gendered terminology in legislation, that create barriers for boys and gender-diverse children; (2) create psychologically, emotionally, and physically safe circumstances (i.e. trauma-informed care) for all children to know help-seeking is possible; and (3) undertake proactive support that specifically connects boys and gender-diverse children to therapeutic services like drop-in centers, night-time counseling, and emergency shelter.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0145-2134",
doi="10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106129",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106129"
}