Sex trafficking of minors: How many juveniles are being prostituted in the US? 2017 Update
Date
2017
Journal Title
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Publisher
Crimes Against Children Research Center
Abstract
There are frequently cited statistics about the number of
juveniles who are being prostituted (or trafficked) within the
United States. The numbers 300,000 and 100,000 are widely
used. A close look at these estimates, however, reveals that
none are based on a scientific foundation. They are guesses or
extrapolations based on questionable assumptions. They do
not have the substance of typically reported crime statistics,
such as the number of robberies or the number of child sexual
abuse victims. The reality is that we do not currently know
how many juveniles are being prostituted. The best estimates
using scientific methods suggest much smaller numbers, but
also may miss a considerable part of the problem.
This bulletin will review some of the estimates and their
weaknesses.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
statistics, juvenile prostitution, child sex trafficking
Citation
Finkelhor, D., Vaquerano, J., & Stranski, M. (2008 – Revised 2017). Sex trafficking of minors: How many juveniles are being prostituted in the US? Durham NH: Crimes Against Children Research Center.