Sexual exploitation among adolescents in residential care: Prevalence and implications for child protection

Background Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects children and young people involved in the child welfare system. Objective This study estimated the reported prevalence of CSE among adolescents in residential care facilities in a northern region of Spain and identified associated risk factors. Participants and setting The sample included 119 adolescents (51.3% male, 45.4% female) aged 14–18 years (M = 15.95), residing in 26 residential care facilities across northern Spain. Methods An ad hoc online questionnaire assessed (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) child protection history, (c) knowledge and perceptions of CSE, and (d) personal experiences of CSE. Results Overall, 17.6% of participants in this regional sample reported experiencing some form of CSE in the past year. The most prevalent form was sharing sexual images or videos, followed by sexual intercourse and sexual touching. Compared with non-victims, those who experienced CSE were more likely to be female, to have run away from the residential facility, to have received prior CSE education, and to know someone involved in CSE. Conclusions Findings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies addressing CSE among youth in residential care. Comprehensive approaches should include professional training, systematic screening and risk assessment, and direct interventions. These should be implemented through an intersectional framework that acknowledges multiple vulnerabilities and risk factors to better protect young people within the child welfare system.