TY - JOUR PY - 2012// TI - Exploring the Role of the Internet in Juvenile Prostitution Cases Coming to the Attention of Law Enforcement JO - Journal of child sexual abuse A1 - Wells, Melissa A1 - Mitchell, Kimberly J. A1 - Ji, Kai SP - 327 EP - 342 VL - 21 IS - 3 N2 - This exploratory analysis examines the role of the Internet in juvenile prostitution cases coming to the attention of law enforcement. The National Juvenile Prostitution Study (N-JPS) collected information from a national sample of law enforcement agencies about the characteristics of juvenile prostitution cases. In comparison to non-Internet juvenile prostitution cases, Internet juvenile prostitution cases involved younger juveniles and police were more likely to treat juveniles as victims rather than offenders. In addition, these cases were significantly more likely to involve a family or acquaintance exploiter. This analysis suggests that the role of the Internet may impact legal and social service response to juveniles involved in prostitution. In addition, it highlights the need for interventions that acknowledge the vulnerabilities of youth involved in this type of commercial sexual exploitation.

LA - SN - 1053-8712 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2012.669823 ID - ref1 ER -