Commercial sexual exploitation, or CSE, refers to the practice of making a profit from the sexual exploitation of others, most often men profiting from or buying from women. This can take various forms, including prostitution, internet or phone sex, stripping, and the production of sexually explicit materials.
Women involved in CSE often have low incomes, substance use issues, and are victims of other forms of gender-based violence. Their involvement is often a result of coercion and a lack of viable alternatives, rather than a freely made choice.
Stigma and societal disapproval has often been focussed on women who are involved in CSE rather than the men who purchase sex and other services, perpetuating damaging gender norms and stereotypes. Focus is shifting to challenging the demand for these services, looking at what women need and providing comprehensive support for those involved in selling and exchanging sex. Men can also be involved in selling and exchanging sex, albeit at much lower rates, and the reasons for this are often similar to those of women (e.g. low income, substance use and lack of choice) and they can also experience pressure and coercion to take part in this.
Emerging technologies have amplified negative aspects of CSE by providing platforms for perpetrators to operate with increased anonymity and efficiency. The internet, social media, and encrypted communication tools facilitate the recruitment, advertising, and sale of sexual services. These technologies also grant more access to potentially vulnerable populations, including children, enabling traffickers to exploit them through online grooming tactics. The widespread availability of explicit content online normalises and desensitises society to the realities of CSE, perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.
If you are involved in selling or exchanging sex or other types of sex services you may wish to access specialised support in order to be as safe as you can possibly be, whether continuing or looking to exit. You can access local support from the Ending Violence and Abuse Aberdeen team at Aberdeen Cyrenians or Quay Services at Alcohol and Drugs Action.