Recruiting young people into sexual exploitation: recognising hidden dangers

Protecting young people’s safety, freedom and dignity is an important responsibility of society. Sexual exploitation does not always begin with obvious threats. Someone may first build trust through friendship, a romantic relationship or promises of income or fame.

Sexual exploitation involves using a person for sexual purposes and may involve deception, coercion, threats or abuse of dependency. Girls and boys can both be affected. The person responsible may be a stranger, an acquaintance or someone the young person trusts.

Demands to keep contact secret, inappropriate requests linked to gifts or money, requests for intimate images and pressure to meet alone are warning signs. Statements such as “Do not tell anyone,” “You owe me” or “I will share your messages if you refuse” may be methods of control and coercion.

Uzbekistan’s Law on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence establishes safeguards against sexual violence and exploitation, including violence online. The legal assessment depends on the conduct, the affected person’s age and other circumstances. Gifts or payment do not make exploitation lawful.

Independently verify organisations and meeting arrangements connected with suspicious job, advertising or competition offers. You do not have to accept demands that violate your personal boundaries. Previous conversations, accepting a gift or sending an image do not oblige you to comply with further demands.

If threats or blackmail occur, do not send money or further intimate images. Move to safety and contact someone you trust and the police. If you are under 18, tell a safe adult; if someone close to you is involved, choose another trusted adult. When safe, record account names, threatening text and incident times. Do not forward or download sexual images of minors again to collect evidence.

Listen without blame when a young person seeks help. Avoid making them repeatedly recount details and protect their privacy. Help them access appropriate medical, psychological and legal support. Responsibility for exploitation rests with the person who commits it.