Supporting CACs in Addressing Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) 

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC)—also referred to as child sex trafficking or by other terms—often leaves young victims with complex trauma, requiring intensive case management and a coordinated, compassionate response. To support Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) in effectively serving this vulnerable population, NCA’s CSEC Collaborative Workgroup has identified these trainings and resources to share with the field. 

Our goal is to empower CACs and multidisciplinary team members to understand and address the unique needs of children who are trafficked or exploited online. By working in partnership with their communities, CACs can ensure responses are both trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate. 

The toolkit includes vital training materials and resources focused on CSEC and Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). These offerings are designed to help CACs align with the NCA CSEC Optional Standard for Accreditation. 

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of resources. For additional information or questions, contact Michele Mullen, Senior Manager, Workforce Project, at mmullen@nca-online.org. 

OJJDP Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention - CSEC Definition 

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) refers to a range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person. Examples of crimes and acts that constitute CSEC:

• child sex trafficking/the prostitution of children;
• child sex tourism involving commercial sexual activity;
• commercial production of child pornography;
• online transmission of live video of a child engaged in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value.

CSEC also includes situations where a child, whether or not at the direction of any other person, engages in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value, which includes non-monetary things such as food, shelter, drugs, or protection from any person.

Depending on the specific circumstances, CSEC may also occur in the context of internet-based marriage brokering, early marriage, and children performing in sexual venues.

Note: CSEC is not legally defined by federal statute or case law. However, several federal criminal provisions can be applied to conduct that falls within this definition of CSEC, including 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591, 2251, and 2423(c).

Visit OJJDP Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Website