Differences Between Child Abuse and Child Trafficking (pdf)
Child Abuse
- Child typically feels powerless
- Child is not normally the seducer
- Often appears withdrawn & quiet, though may be loud, aggressive & have self-destructive behavior (eg drugs)
- Inside system (often still in school, clubs etc.
- Usually kept secret from friends and peers
- Apart from abuser, people around say it is a bad thing
- Wider community is sympathetic and supportive
Child Sex Trafficking
- Child may feel powerful
- Child may act as the seducer
- Often expresses emotions, although not feelings about CSE
- Outside system (often not in school)
- Usually not secret from friends and peers
- People in the social circle of child may say it is a good thing
- Wider community views behavior in a negative way
EPCAT, 2005
