Sexual Exploitation: A Forensic Evaluation of Juvenile Prostitution

The sexual exploitation of juveniles remains a growing global epidemic. Some estimate approximately 1.2 million juveniles are sexually trafficked & exploited annually. Throughout the world, the topic of juvenile prostitution has continually been at the forefront of a global initiative to protect our youth. A number of organizations to include international & domestic, private & non-profit, government & academia have integrated various awareness campaigns & research studies in the fight to end juvenile prostitution. From Southeast Asia, to Eastern Europe, & throughout the United States, this ever-growing epidemic continues to plague our society. The study of juvenile prostitution remains challenging due to the complexity of the problem, as well as the nature & understanding of the full-extent of the problem. The research of this topic is aimed at identifying a forensic map or approach to the problem, with an emphasis on the resources needed to impact the problem.