Exploring the Role of the Internet in Juvenile Prostitution Cases Coming to the Attention of Law Enforcement

• NCJ Number: 240399
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: May - June 2012 Pages: 327-342
• Date Published: June 2012
• Author(s): Melissa Wells; Kimberly J. Mitchell; Kai Ji
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-JN-FX-0064; 2005-JL-FX-0047
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This paper examines the role of the Internet in juvenile prostitution cases coming to the attention of law enforcement.

Abstract

This exploratory analysis examines the role of the Internet in juvenile prostitution cases coming to the attention of law enforcement. The National Juvenile Prostitution Study (N-JPS) collected information from a national sample of law enforcement agencies about the characteristics of juvenile prostitution cases. In comparison to non-Internet juvenile prostitution cases, Internet juvenile prostitution cases involved younger juveniles and police were more likely to treat juveniles as victims rather than offenders. In addition, these cases were significantly more likely to involve a family or acquaintance exploiter. This analysis suggests that the role of the Internet may impact legal and social service response to juveniles involved in prostitution. In addition, it highlights the need for interventions that acknowledge the vulnerabilities of youth involved in this type of commercial sexual exploitation. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.