ChildX works to stop sexual abuse against children where the perpetrator uses payment or other forms of compensation as a means of power. The foundation was established in 2014 and operates both in Sweden and internationally.
ChildX aims to fundamentally change society’s view of commercial sexual exploitation. They want to shift the perspective from seeing the abuse as the responsibility of the vulnerable child to recognizing it as violence, where the perpetrator is the only guilty party. This requires change both within formal systems such as the justice system, healthcare, and education sectors, as well as within informal systems like cultural norms and attitudes.
The goal is to create a culture where commercial sexual exploitation of children is not tolerated. Where victims receive support and their rights are fulfilled, where perpetrators are held accountable, and where preventive work is carried out to stop future abuse.
The leading experts on how to combat commercial sexual exploitation are those who have survived it themselves. That is why ChildX works closely with survivors to learn from their expertise and amplify their voices. They maintain a child rights perspective in everything they do, always putting the child’s best interests at the center.
What is CSEC?
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is also called paid sexual abuse of children. It occurs when children are subjected to sexual acts in exchange for some form of compensation. The compensation can be money or gifts given to the child or others.
This can include, for example, another young person or an older adult paying for a nude photo, a live stream, or meeting the victim in person to commit paid abuse.
Those subjected to commercial sexual exploitation are at significantly higher risk of further violence and abuse, and as with all forms of sexual violence, girls are the hardest hit.
How many are affected?
In every class of ninth grade and high school, the equivalent of 1-2 children have been subjected to commercial sexual exploitation. On a national level, this corresponds to 36,000 children and young people. This means that children in these age groups are more likely to be subjected to paid abuse than to bullying.
One in four girls, 24%, have been asked to receive money or gifts in exchange for sending nude or sexual pictures or videos.
The corresponding figure among boys is 4%.
One in ten girls has been asked to meet someone to have sex or perform sexual acts in exchange for compensation.
What needs to happen to stop the abuse?
At the societal level, the problem fundamentally lies in men’s demand to buy children’s bodies. If there were no demand, no paid abuse of children would occur. This means extensive efforts are needed to counteract this demand and men’s view of women’s and children’s bodies as something for sale.
However, the problem is complex and requires many different measures to stop commercial sexual exploitation of children, support the children who are affected, and prosecute perpetrators who commit the crime. Increased knowledge about the problem is also needed among adults and children, as well as among professionals who meet children who are or risk being exploited. ChildX also works hard to strengthen legislation so that all children receive strong, equal protection.
Read more about ChildX and how you can support their important work at ChildX.se
