Cohen Rachel Silliman, Hall Deborah, Brennan Col Brian W, Deye Katherine P
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences of Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA.
Independent Researcher, Washington, DC, USA.
Pediatr Clin North Am. 2025 Jun;72(3):365-380. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.12.004. Epub 2025 Mar 11.
Youth who are at risk for or who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC) have specialized health care needs. Their experiences are often unrecognized, even with regular contact with pediatric medical providers. CSEC is a form of child abuse; this has been recognized by federal law and some state laws. Providers must recognize CSEC as a medical diagnosis and maintain a trauma-informed, patient-led approach. This article will assist providers in identifying and appropriately caring for youth who are at risk for or have experienced victimization and/or commercial sexual exploitation and point providers to resources to best support their patients.
