Young People Abused through Prostitution: Some Observations for Practice

Abstract

This paper discusses the situation of young people sexually exploited through prostitution noting the semantic and practical shifts that have occurred in relation to this issue as it has risen up the political agenda in recent years. It explores what we know about the context in which the commercial sexual exploitation of young people occurs, the scale of the problem and the processes through which young people become involved. The paper then considers what these young people might need in terms of practice responses if they are to be supported out of prostitution.

Keywords:

• young people
• commercial sexual exploitation
• prostitution
• child abuse

Notes

Margaret Melrose is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Social Studies at the University of Luton. Her research has primarily focused on young people who are involved in commercial sexual exploitation and young people and drug misuse. She has published widely in these fields and recently completed an evaluation, funded by the Home Office, of projects developed to support young people out of commercial sexual exploitation in the UK.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Margaret Melrose

Margaret Melrose is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Social Studies at the University of Luton. Her research has primarily focused on young people who are involved in commercial sexual exploitation and young people and drug misuse. She has published widely in these fields and recently completed an evaluation, funded by the Home Office, of projects developed to support young people out of commercial sexual exploitation in the UK.