Juvenile Prostitution

Abstract

Juvenile prostitution has disastrous effects to the mental, social, and physical development of a child. The paper explores the causes, effects, and prevention approaches that will eliminate juvenile prostitution. The research will use eco-developmental theory provides a premise for exploring the investigation on juvenile prostitution. Effort need to focus on broadening the prevention programs that are community based that helps to identify vulnerable children before they end up on the streets. The paper will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to understand the gravity of juvenile prostitution and develop appropriate interventions.

Background

In many conventions and tourist cities, child prostitution is rampant and growing at an alarming rate. According to the federal bureau of investigation, Atlanta tops among the cities with the highest number of children who engage in prostitution. There are concerted efforts of religious groups, lawmakers, and advocates for juvenile justice in the state. These efforts have not been fruitful since there is less focus on a lasting solution to the problem. Critics argue that efforts should be providing a sustainable program that will prevent vulnerable children from taking part in the vice. There has been a focus on increasing penalties for offenders without addressing the cause of the problem. Despite the stringent laws and penalties, the vice has continued to thrive. It is critical to note that efforts should be placed on developing treatment programs that help children who are sexually exploited. The efforts need to focus on broadening the prevention programs that are community-based that contribute to identify vulnerable children before they end up on the streets.

Introduction

Juvenile prostitution is an issue of concern in the society since it fuels human trafficking, kidnapping, serial rape, abuse of human rights, and exploitation. Most of these children are lured or abducted by traffickers who brand them or beaten into submission. Those that try to get away are either killed or tortured. Review of foster care is imperatives since many of these children are raped and abused in these placements. It is imperative to note that these children decide to run away since foster-care homes are inhabitable (Plumridge & Abel, 2001). It is imperative that the discourse should be placed on the role of child welfare systems since they have failed to identify children who are trafficked for sex. Even in their knowledge on the existence of these problems, the child welfare systems argue that the responsibility is outside their jurisdiction and purview. The argument is that the perpetrators of the vices are not caregivers or parents; thus, they shift the responsibility to law enforcement officers. Breggin (2008) says, “These children are not routinely interviewed by sexual violence experts, as is done in other instances of child rape. Nor do prosecutors provide them the legal protections afforded to other sexually assaulted minors.” The challenge comes when the law enforcement officers fail to establish essential protocols that treat these children as prey of child abuse.

The University of Hampshire carried out research to provide journalists, advocates, and policymakers an understanding of the problem as facing the juvenile. The study helped to establish the intervention approaches used by police. The study determined that 99% of the juvenile taking part in prostitutions are female. Among these female juvenile prostitutes, 60% have a history of running away from their homes (Hines & Finkelhor, 2007). Also, it was noted that 60% of these juvenile prostitutes are whites and they live in cities. The issue raised by the study includes whether juvenile prostitution is rendered by children delinquency or it’s a result of poverty. The study noted that the challenges that these children face are immense; thus, efforts to save them should be developed. Another worrying trend is that police tend to treat teen prostitutes who are fearful as victims. The authors surmise that “police are doing little about the challenge at hand, as more than half of the police agencies they contacted provided no information about arrests. They suggest better reporting of cases, possibly with mandatory reporting to the FBI” (Edward, Iritani & Hallfors, 2005). There is clear evidence that social support is lacking as the number of juvenile prostitutes is increasing.

The eco-developmental theory provides a premise for exploring the investigation on juvenile prostitution since it integrates issues such as family systems, social ecology, and lifespan developmental theories. The theory has been effective in describing the antisocial behaviors, drug abuse, and sexual risk-taking behaviors that are consistent with studies on prostitution (Gibson-Ainyette, Templer & Veaco, 1988). The developmental factors such as abusive parents and situational factors such as lack of shelter and poverty are address by the theory. The theory perceives family as a powerful and proximal influence to the development of maladaptive and adaptive behavior patterns among the youths. It suggests that relationship in the family can affect the social well-being of a child; thus, resulting in deviant and antisocial behaviors. According to Martin (2001), “Physiological changes in response to stress appear to have a worlwidel and adverse impact on neurological development, altering systems related to stress response, affect regulation, memory, social and emotional development, and cognition.” The neglect and sexual abuse of children develop cascading effects in their lives; thus, they need to be treated as a victim than offenders. The theory notes that these children will suffer strained relationships, fail in school, engage in drug abuse, develop poor interpersonal skills, and involve in crime (Gibbs & Augustine, 1992). These affects their ability to think; thus, make sex trade normative and available solution to their misery.

Causes

Many girls who run away from their home or foster care find themselves in juvenile prostitution by default. It is critical to note that they might have made a poor decision, but they are not grownups to underscore the difficulties in life. Many have been brought up in a family where they get everything until they lose care of their relatives and guardians. It is easy for society not to see them as victims of abuse and serial rape. They are left with no option but to fend for themselves and sometimes treated by law enforcement as child offenders. Studies released by FBI shows that many young people entered into the juvenile justice system for charges of prostitutions (Gemme & Malenfant, 1989). The judges find it impossible to send these children to streets where the traffickers will be waiting or taking them to foster homes, which they consider inhabitable and prone to running away. The judges believe that detaining these girls is the best option since there are no exceptionally safe options. The perpetrators of rape are never arrested for child endangerment, statutory rape or sexual assault to minors. Morton (2001) says, “Perhaps it is too difficult to accept what happens on U.S. soil, to our daughters. Regardless, we must call this trafficking by the actual phrase: serial, systematized rape.” The challenge is whether one can be imprisoned for abuse melted against her.

Most of these children come from a poor background with many having histories of truancy. More so, there are those that run away from their homes after they are sexually assaulted. Once these children end up on the streets, they face many challenges hat place them in danger of engaging in prostitution. Many of these children do not survive life on the street since some are killed or battered. Those that survive do engage in drug and alcohol abuse where they live an irresponsible life. Wolak, Mitchell, and Finkelhor (2003) notes “Many of these children find themselves in prostitution after being lured away from the foster case by an elderly male who is willing to shower them with pleasantries and affection, which he later withholds should the children fail to agree to engage in prostitution.” These frustrations have forced many to contract diseases and develop psychiatric disorders. The cycle can repeat itself when these children recreate these problems to their offspring; thus, compounding the problem. Instead of punishing the first time offenders, they should be forced to attend classes to learn on the broader social harm that they are causing to society.

Effects

The ramification of juvenile prostitution is extensive and damaging to the society. It can be noted that these children who are involved in prostitution are uneducated. Thus, they are manipulated, rejected, and discriminated by their families and society. Most of them lack basic health care services that affect their wellbeing, physical, and mental health. Those that are restricted to move for fear of running away suffer unhygienic conditions (Edward, Iritani & Hallfors, 2005). The spread of diseases is high among these children since some molesters refuse to use any protection. The psychological and physical humiliation that these children go through is unimaginable. The illness that these kids go through does damage their ego and self-esteem. It should be understood that these children suffer infection, pain, vaginal tearing, unwanted pregnancy, and after-effects of physical torture. The children do not trust the adults; thus, they cannot report cases of abuse, or they feel that it is normal. These individuals take advantage of children docility and inability to defend themselves to exploit them.

Solutions

The lawmakers should endeavor to develop policies and legislation that stem the problem that controlling. Programs that train social workers, law enforcement officers, and teachers should be supported. The focus should be on preventing placing children at risk and identify signs of prostitution and child abuse in society. Hines and Finkelhor (2007) says, “Perception plays an enormous role in relaying how victims of the commercial sexual exploitation of children ,are handled and treated. The public has a false understanding of the problem, mostly because of media portrayals and the stereotypes that emerge.” Developing plans and spreading knowledge on the essence of protecting children is imperative in helping those that are at risk. It is essential that the interventions be placed on prevention before damage occurs. Comprehensive and responsible public education is imperative

Children exploitation and sexual abuse is a complex issue that requires a well-developed and integrated response to stem the vice. Ending the vice requires society to create and implement strategies with more involvement of all stakeholders. Coordinating and networking among service providers is imperative in making routine and random inspections. Integral interventions are key in addressing sexual exploitation and abuse of young children. Raine (2002) says, “Organizations should be free in sharing information with professionals handling child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation so that they can work together toward a comprehensive actionable solution to the issue.” It is essential that evaluation and monitoring of these efforts be done to establish the effectiveness of developed interventions. Children from poor backgrounds should be education and offered with income generating programs. The programs can be critical in alleviating poverty, childhood trauma, and abuse of alcohol. The children who have been left hopeless and depend on abusive relationship need to be empowered appropriately. The approach should be personal centered and non-judgmental. It is critical to enable these individuals to have a sense of pride and control over their lives and experiences. As stated, these interventions should not be imposed on the victims.

Literature Review

In the efforts to understand the reasons why many young people are involved in prostitution, scholars explored the history of prostitutes, family background, work-related and educational experiences, as well as, the psychological factors (Wolak, Mitchell, & Finkelhor, 2003). A noticeable research topic explored by scholars include the relationship between family dysfunctional and their involvement in prostitution. The researcher explored issues such as sexual, emotional, substance, and physical abuse. Many concluded that these juvenile prostitutes had a history of sexual abuse. Plumridge (2001) found out that “found that many prostitutes were victims of intra-familial childhood physical and sexual abuse. Further, many young males and females ran away from abusive environments, and once on the streets they were exposed to a variety of conditions that influenced their decision to prostitute.” Many of these children found themselves in prostitution out of their control

Psychological issues

Researchers focused on the effects of psychological development on the life of a child and influence on prostitution (Plumridge & Abel, 2001). The disruptions in the psychological and psychosexual development affect growth and decision-making abilities of children. It results in a non-ego and destructive behaviors that influence their choice into joining prostitution. The gap between the moral judgment and reasoning affects children’s ability to make informed choices; thus, are influenced to join prostitution. Saphira (2001) says, “Young prostitutes who were sexually abused at tender ages experienced a severe loss of self-esteem, and they portrayed poor physical and mental condition. The process of becoming involved in prostitution by exploring the impact of the social structure.” The author noted that social structures such as gender stereotypes, cultural factors, employment structures, and schools to be contributing factors. The responses of victims and sexual abuse train and prepare these children into prostitution.

Homelessness

The reasons that are associated with children running away from their homes and foster-care centers includes sexual and physical abuse, sexual orientation, and psychological issues (Hines & Finkelhor, 2007). These factors do not clearly describe motivation into prostitution. However, it can be noted that when children are away from responsible guardians, they become vulnerable to sex predators. It is imperative to explore the variables that propel young girls to engage in prostitution. As noted, the children who run away from their homes owing to physical and sexual abuse, they develop a desire to gain easy money. They were brought up in an environment where they received their basic need from their guardians and parents. In the streets, there are no one to care for them; thus, they are tempted to enter into prostitution to get money. Rutter (2006) found out that “many youths lacked the education and employment skills necessary to subsist, thereby contributing to their decision to prostitute. Situational difficulties associated with the street makes prostitution an alternative option for some youth such as prostitution for money, shelter, and drugs.” Those that moved from their homes in search of freedom and independence, they discover life being difficult on the streets. Essentially, the factors that force a child to be homeless offers them an impetus to engage in prostitution for money.

Studies have shown that little efforts are done by law enforcement authorities who ignore the plight of homeless persons. There are underfunded and dysfunctional serve agencies that struggle to provide critical services to children in the streets. In this era of shrinking safety nets and growing poverty, prostitution has thrived and continue to attract many youths. Research conducted by Wolak, Mitchell, and Finkelhor (2003) shows three salient themes that precipitate the youths to engage in delinquency and crime. They concluded that “Disruptive family conditions encourage some youth to run away from home. 2) Once on the streets, conditions associated with homelessness propels involvement in crime is related to the theft of food, issues of youth unemployment and lack of shelter are related to participation in prostitution. 3) The street culture gives rise criminal networks - street youth become involved in tutelage relationships which increase their participation in crime and delinquency.” In essence, prostitution has transformed the social setting that makes it easier for young people to be lured into the practice. Situational poverty and gender-based violence have created a demand for sexual services in many cities (Gibson-Ainyette, Templer & Veaco, 1988). It has to be noted that prostitution is not restricted to developing countries alone, but to developed countries too.

The study by Worth (2000) brings into focus the challenges that young prostitutes go through and the causes that lead to the vice. It is critical to note that youth involvement in prostitution is destroying the social fabric of society. Children are becoming delinquent and abused in efforts to source for income through prostitution. Regardless of age, many prostitutes have been subjected to unjust law enforcement and discriminatory legislation (Gibbs & Augustine, 1992). The perpetrators of the vice have received immunity, or the society does not care about these young prostitutes. Researchers argue that there is nothing called juvenile prostitution, but term the vice children sexual assault. These children have been forced by physical and sexual abuse at their homes, which force them to venture into the street that is equally brutal. Worth (2000) adds, “On a psychological level, the child can also show several symptoms, amounting to depression, personality or sexual orientation mixups, problems with behavior, trouble sleeping, and loss of self-confidence.” It is critical that concerned individuals take measures to censure action of men who procure sexual services from young girls.

Recommendation for future study

There have been knowledge gaps in literature to provide future researchers ideas to explore the issue. Research that explores law enforcement practices and legislative amendments should be studied extensively to develop policies that censure men who procure sexual services from youths. In other words, studying efforts of law enforcement on spread and involvement of youth in prostitution is imperative. Moreover, research needs to be carried to establish the factors that are fuelling men to demand for sexual services among the youths. The study can be critical in establishing a working intervention that will lessen juvenile prostitution (Gemme & Malenfant, 1989). The future study should confront policies in place that is designed to deter men from seeking sexual services from juveniles. There should be a focus on factors that precede involvement of juveniles into the sex trade. These efforts are imperative in developing policies that will deter men from seeking sexual services and involvement of youth in the vice. Finally, the research needs to explore opinions of prostitutes on the role of law enforcement in addressing juvenile prostitution. There is a need for an all-inclusive and integrated approach that studies broader political and social context that causes increased involvement of youths in prostitution (Edward, Iritani & Hallfors, 2005). The approach is critical since it will lead to the development of viable solutions that will deter prostitution.

Conclusion

Some factors contribute to child prostitution include human trafficking, poverty, dysfunctional family, poor education, and poor parenting. It is disheartening to note that some governments use child prostitution as a source of tourist attraction. Deception and human trafficking are factors that cause children prostitution thrive. Dysfunctional families play a role in forcing children to prostitution. Lack of adequate parental care makes them prone to sexual predators. Concerted efforts by all stakeholders are imperative in making sure that the vice is eliminated. Therese efforts are showing results since juvenile prostitutes are not treated as criminals, but victims. It is essential that the society understands that these children need protection. They should not be quick to judge and castigate them for something that is never their fault.

References

Breggin, P.A. (2008). Brain disabling Treatments in Psychiatry: Drugs, Electroshock, and the Psychopharmaceutical Complex. (2nd Edition) New York: Springer University Press.

Edward, J.M., Iritani, B.J., & Hallfors, D.D. (2005). Prevalence and correlates of exchanging sex for drugs or money among adolescents in the United States. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 82, 354-358.

Gemme, R. & L. Malenfant, L. (1989) Street Prostitution: Assessing the Impact of the Law, Montreal. Ottawa: Department of Justice.

Gibbs, E. &. Augustine, B. (1992) Childhood Correlates of Career Prostitution. Unpublished Paper.

Gibson-Ainyette, I., Templer, R. & Veaco, B. (1988) “Adolescent Female Prostitutes” Archives of Sexual Behavior, Vol.17, pp.431-438.

Hines, D.A., & Finkelhor, D. (2007). Statutory sex crime relationships between juveniles and adults: A review of social scientific research. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 12, 300-314.

Martin, S. (2001) “Protecting environment and children everywhere,” Sri Lanka Peace Newsletter, 39, June.

Morton, M. (2001) “Prostitution and fellatio” Journal of Sexual Research, 38(2):140-145.

Plumridge, L., & G. Abel, (2001) “A ‘segmented ‘sexual industry in New Zealand: sexual and personal safety of female sex workers” Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 25 (1):78-83.

Plumridge, L. (2001) “Rhetoric, reality, and risk outcomes in sex work” Health Risk & Society, 3(2):2001.

Raine, A. (2002). The biological basis of crime. In J.Q Wilson & J. Petrsilia (Eds.) Crime: Public policies for crime control. Oakland: ICS Press.

Rutter, M. (2006). Genes and Behavior: Nature-Nurture Interplay Explained. Boston: Blackwell.

Saphira, M. (2001). The Commercial Exploitation of Children, ECPAT, Auckland.

Wolak, J., Mitchell, K.J.,and Finkelhor, D. (2003). Internet sex crimes against minors: The response of law enforcement (No. 10-03-022). Alexandria, VA: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Worth H. (2000). “Up on K Road on Saturday night: sex, gender and sex work in Auckland” Venereology, 13(1)

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