Child Protection - Preventing Sexual Exploitation

Child protection is a commitment that involves all of us as a society. In Argentina, the sexual exploitation of children continues to be a worrying reality that requires immediate attention and action. As professionals in the adult services sector, we have the unique opportunity to become agents of change, able to identify and prevent risk situations.

This article is designed for those who want to be informed and take an active role in child protection. Here you will find the keys to recognising warning signs, understanding the legal framework and learning how to act when faced with possible cases of exploitation. The safety of the most vulnerable depends on our ability to observe, understand and react in time.

Read on to find out how you can help create safer environments. Child protection starts with information and is strengthened by action.

Argentinian laws on child protection and sexual exploitation

• Law 26.061: Establishes the fundamental rights of children and adolescents, ensuring their comprehensive protection against any form of abuse or exploitation.
• Law 26.364: Criminalises trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation, including severe penalties for those involved in these crimes. Law 26.842 reinforces these measures, increasing penalties against those who promote or facilitate the sexual exploitation of minors.
• The Argentine Penal Code: Specific articles, such as Articles 125 to 128, which punish corruption of minors, child prostitution and child pornography.

These laws seek not only to punish perpetrators, but also to create a child protection environment where children's rights are respected.

Warning signs to identify risks

Behavioural and emotional changes

Children at risk often exhibit abrupt changes in behaviour, such as social isolation, unwarranted aggression or regression to childhood behaviours (bedwetting, thumb sucking). Sleep disturbances, persistent anxiety or rejection of authority figures may also indicate problems that require child protection intervention.

Early sexualisation

Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or language, games with explicit content or attempts to reproduce sexual acts are alarming signs. In adolescents, detailed accounts of sexual experiences or unexplained possession of expensive money/gifts deserve special attention in child protection.

Disturbances in social relations

Inappropriately close links with specific adults combined with fear of them are of concern. Resistance to attending certain places, loss of interest in previous activities or drastic changes in school performance reinforce the need for child protection.

Physical and health signs

Genital or anal complaints without medical cause, difficulty walking or sitting, as well as injuries in private areas require investigation. Sudden eating disorders, self-harm or suicidal threats in adolescents require immediate action in child protection.

Presence in risk contexts

Frequenting unsupervised areas of prostitution, short-stay hotels or night-time establishments is a red flag. Age-inappropriate dress, accompaniment by controlling adults or appearance during school and evening hours reinforce the urgency of child protection.

Fingerprints

Profiles on adult dating apps, participation in sex chats or sharing intimate images are clear dangers. Receiving messages or gifts from strangers, as well as the use of sex industry language, merit child protection intervention.

Suspicious family response

Caregivers who minimise sexualised behaviour, impede access to professionals or give inconsistent explanations for injuries raise red flags. Unexplained economic dependency, frequent changes of residence or family history of sexual exploitation call for child protection action.

How can industry contribute to child protection?

Child protection is not only the responsibility of the state, but also of society as a whole. Escorts and their clients can play an active role in preventing sexual exploitation. One of the most effective ways is through education and awareness-raising, sharing information about the risks and laws that ensure child protection.

Another key action is responsible reporting. In Argentina, there are free hotlines such as 145 to report human trafficking and 102 for cases related to the rights of children and adolescents. Reporting in time can save lives and contribute to child protection.

Finally, establishing alliances with organisations specialised in human rights and child protection allows the impact of these actions to be broadened. Working together with foundations and NGOs dedicated to the prevention of sexual exploitation strengthens the defence mechanisms of minors.

Conclusion

Ensuring child protection is an ethical and legal duty that involves all sectors of society. The adult services industry can make a difference by monitoring, reporting and promoting safe environments. Child protection is non-negotiable, and every action counts towards eradicating the sexual exploitation of children.

Knowing the law, identifying signs of risk and acting responsibly are essential steps in building a society where children's rights are a priority. Child protection is a commitment that we must take seriously and with determination.