- (360) 753-3703
- 1217 Cooper Point Road SW, Suite 6, Olympia, WA 98502
Hundreds of children and youth suffer sexual exploitation in Washington every day. Abuse in the home, mental health issues, or homelessness contribute to a youth’s vulnerability to exploitation.
The following resources are provided to support individuals, families, professionals and community members in understanding and responding to CSEC in our state.
According to OJJDP (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) refers to a range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person. Examples of crimes and acts that constitute CSEC:
CSEC also includes situations where a child, whether or not at the direction of any other person, engages in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value, which includes non-monetary things such as food, shelter, drugs, or protection from any person.
Depending on the specific circumstances, CSEC may also occur in the context of internet-based marriage brokering, early marriage, and children performing in sexual venues.
Washington State RCWs related to CSEC:
CACWA works with CACs and multidisciplinary partners (MDTs) to facilitate a coordinated response to allegations of child abuse and supports professionals in the field through training, technical assistance, research, funding, and advocacy.
