Children and youth in the sex trade : exploitation and exiting
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to look at the current treatment of children and youth who are being exploited by the street sex trade. An understanding of the issues faced by these young people needs to be present before successful solutions can be developed and implemented. This thesis argues that children and youth are forced into the street sex trade by social and economic factors that are outside of their control. Young people do not have realistic alternatives to engaging in the street sex trade. Their involvement in the sex trade amounts to survival sex which may be the only way that they are able to provide for themselves. The lack of realistic alternatives to engaging in prostitution related offenses leads to the argument that charging children and youth with these types of offences is a violation of their basic rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Criminal charges do not address the realities that lead to sexual exploitation through the sex trade. Constructive steps need to be taken to deal with this issue in a way that allows for positive changes to occur. It is argued that programs that aim to address the root issues leading to sexual exploitation through the sex trade should be developed and supported. These programs should attempt to divert children and youth off the streets as a more permanent solution, rather then charging them under the Criminal Code. Effective solutions need to be found to protect the children and youth from further exploitation through the sex trade.
Description
Keywords
prostitution, youth, children
Citation
Degree
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Department
College of Law
Program
College of Law