Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in oakland: The need for local urgent action

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a fundamental violation of human rights and the rights of the child and Oakland, California has been described as a major hub of youth trafficking in the United States. CSEC in Oakland persists due to the failure of society to address economic instability and early childhood trauma that leads to increased risk of exploitation. This paper is informed by literature on CSEC and related issues, and conversations with experts in the field, such as clinicians, program specialists, and researchers to explore the local context. This information was analyzed to create a baseline of knowledge and understanding on the dynamics and health indicators of CSEC across the ecological model. Marginalized and underserved groups, such as low-income people of color, foster and homeless youth are particularly vulnerable to CSEC. Although it is difficult to determine accurate counts, local law enforcement estimates that 100 children are sold for sex in Oakland every night, and the FBI designated the Bay Area as a “High Intensity Child Prostitution Area.” It is critical that the extreme vulnerability of youth in Oakland and the failures of society are addressed to provide urgent, sensitive and long-term solutions to this pervasive and growing problem. Recommendations inform policy makers, practitioners, community-based organizations and the general public in sensitive and effective advocacy and preventative interventions. The community will be able to clarify where protective factors can reduce the incidence of CSEC and determine implications for a coordinated, comprehensive, prevention-oriented response to CSEC.