Sex abuse of children ‘endemic’ around the world

More children are sexually exploited than ever before says ECPAT International, calling the situation “an endemic phenomenon throughout the world.” And more of it is going on in Canada.

Dedicated to ending the commercial exploitation of children, ECPAT initiated a two-year study and found profound changes in the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

Offender could be anyone

The typical offender used to be white, western, wealthy, middle-aged men. Now, offenders may be foreign or local, young or old. Most often, they come from the region where they offend, and they do so because the opportunity presents itself and they feel they can get away with it, according to the study.

A dramatic increase in travel has increased the risk for children and the internet and mobile technology have “fueled the increase by creating new pathways for exploitation and reinforcing anonymity of offenders.”

Victim could be anyone

No children is immune, says the report but some are more vulnerable than others. The study mentions minorities, street children and LGBT. Services for them are said to be inadequate.

Enforcement and prosecution is hindered by a lack of coordination and information sharing between authorities and conviction rates are “alarmingly low.”

Canada becoming a destination for child sex

While Canada and the U.S. have traditionally been the countries from which abusers travelled for sex with children, they now are becoming destinations. In Canada, indigenous women and children are targets and are moved around for exploitation near oil rigs or mining sites, says the report.

Montreal is called a “hot spot” for child sex tourism because it is close to the U.S. border and hosts many sporting events and festivals.

Praise for police

Canadian police forces were praised for efforts to tackle the problem as was the previous Conservative government for passing tougher penalties for child abusers.