Many Children Used Sexually, Study Reports

New York Times ^ | 9/10/01 | RAYMOND HERNANDEZ

[kattracks]

ASHINGTON, Sept. 9 — A detailed study of child sexual exploitation in North America has concluded that the problem is far more widespread than was thought.

The study, by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, relied on interviews with victims, child welfare workers and law enforcement officials in 28 cities in United States, Mexico and Canada from January 1999 through last March.

It also relied on the latest public and private estimates on the number of runaway and homeless youths in the three countries and on estimates by law enforcement officials and child welfare authorities of the number of these children sexually exploited.
The study estimated that in the United States 325,000 children a year were subjected to sexual exploitation, including prostitution, use in pornography and molestation.

"The magnitude of the problem is really something that is not understood," said Richard J. Estes, the main author of the report and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work.

The study found that 47 percent of sexual assaults on children were committed by relatives; 49 percent by acquaintances, such as a teacher, a coach or a neighbor; and only 4 percent by strangers. The researchers also reported that about 20 percent of sexually exploited children who were interviewed were involved in prostitution rings that worked across state lines.

The study found that 95 percent of the commercial sex that boys engaged in was with men, and it found that at least 25 percent of girls in gangs had sex with other members as part of the gang rites. The report provides a profile of people who engage in sex with minors: nearly all men and about a quarter of them married with children. The profile was compiled from interviews with victims and arrest records.

The study found gaps in policies and services intended to combat sexual exploitation of children and help the victims.

The researchers' recommendations for dealing with the problem, included increasing penalties, enforcing existing laws more vigorously and expanding the federal government's role in combating abuse.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Hyping of another problem of "epidemic proportions" , designed to scare public. Then sanctimonious crusader and activist with boundless compassion will demand for money to fix these problems. But the money will disappear into the creation of more bureaucracy and the feeding of liberal advocates. In due time, we will know the extent of problem was exaggerated. This is another shakedown scheme. It is ironic that this problem is the result of liberal's previous policies. Every human misery is a boon for liberals.

[Rudder]

Not to downgrade this coverage by the media, but this problem has been well-documented to have existed in America before the civil war. I think the exploitation of children has been an enduring problem of not just modern North America, but of humankind in general and throughout history.

[Vicki]

Just look at how many teachers are having "affairs" with our children.

I heard a report last night on television that one female 23 year old teacher had reported having 9 affairs with students.

[oceanperch]

How wrong can you be? It is always the Uncle that is doing it.

[Unam Sanctam]

Of course, the liberal left is now pushing "sexual rights of the child" in the United Nations. Clearly their priority is the sexualization of children, not elimination of pedophilia and child abuse.

[wafflehouse]

absolutely! the state should take all the children from all the parents, and raise them for us, so none of them are sexually exploited. that way the children will be able to freely choose their innate homosexuality as a healthy lifestyle

/sarcasm

[wafflehouse]

oh, and we are doing it for the children

/sarcasm

i get really sick of hearing that crap...