Child sex tourism – prevalence of and risk factors for its use in a German community sample

Child sex tourism – prevalence of and risk factors for its use in a German community sample

Child sex tourism – prevalence of and risk factors for its use in a German community sample

The present study assesses the prevalence and different risk factors for Child Sex Tourism in a large community sample. A first step was made to gain insight into the characteristics of these men. As stated in the Convention of the Rights of the Child,  countries are supposed to create appropriate prevention strategies against the “exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices” (Art.34). The World Health Organization (WHO) has augmented its prevention activities against child maltreatment by assisting with the implementation of such strategies and providing guidelines. Nonetheless, the organization points out that epidemiological studies concerning the prevalence of child maltreatment are required to emphasize the topic’s seriousness. This study was conducted with compliance to this goal. There is evience that CST users form a particular and maybe high- risk group among child sexual abusers that could be reached by suitable prevention strategies.