FAQ

To change the systems that enable child sex trafficking and exploitation, we first need the facts. This FAQ shares key terms, issues, and insights to help you understand the realities of commercial sexual exploitation of children.

Knowledge is power. Take a moment to explore these questions and deepen your understanding.

Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person for labor or sex through force, fraud, or coercion. For anyone under 18, being induced to perform a commercial sex act is trafficking, even without force or coercion.

CSEC is any sexual activity where a child is exploited in exchange for money, goods, or promises. It includes pornography, escort services, stripping, gang-based or street prostitution, and private parties. CSEC is child abuse and a form of violence.

Victims are always under 18 and come from every race, class, and background. Children most at risk often face poverty, violence, unstable homes, or family histories of abuse, addiction, or mental health struggles.

Although sexual exploitation is child abuse, in many states children can still be arrested and charged with prostitution. California is different: here, exploited youth are recognized as victims, not offenders.

Most participants are Black girls and gender-expansive youth ages 12–24 from Alameda County. Many are involved in foster care, schools, social services, or the justice system. They often face poverty, family instability, and histories of abuse.

We provide healing-centered, trauma-informed support. Our work focuses on harm reduction, youth development, and walking alongside young people as they navigate change.

Exploited youth may feel ashamed, isolated, or trapped by threats and violence. Some distrust systems because they’ve been harmed by them before, or because exploiters groom them to avoid seeking help.

Exploiters include pimps, who recruit and profit from youth, and buyers (“johns”), who pay to abuse them. Children are most often trafficked by someone they know: a family member, partner, friend, or acquaintance.