Abstract

VEGA, Leticia et al. Principal problems identified in research on and treatment of victims of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Mexico. Salud Ment [online]. 2011, vol.34, n.6, pp.537-543. ISSN 0185-3325.

The purpose of this study is to identify and describe the actions designed to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) which jeopardizes or affects the victims of exploitation. To this end, the paper analyzes the paradoxical results obtained in the research and actions to combat CSEC, implemented under the auspices of the institutions to promote research on CSEC and the prevention, protection and care of child victims of the phenomenon. These results were obtained by the research team when it systematized 16 CSEC diagnoses undertaken in various parts of the country and from the information derived from the fieldwork carried out between 2000 and 2005 by the Inter-Institutional Committees to combat CSEC and at the institutions for the protection and care of child victims of sexual exploitation. The fieldwork involved participant observation during the working meetings of the Inter-Institutional Committees and at the <<closed door>> shelters inhabited by children and teenage victims of sexual exploitation. Individual interviews were conducted with the population of the shelter. Individual interviews were carried with the population at the shelter, with a good rapport being established with the various informants. They were asked to give their informed consent and assured of the confidentiality and anonymity of their identity. Participants were also given information on their health and referred to medical and psychological services when required. The systematization of the 16 diagnoses basically describes the parts of the country where the studies were carried out; the type of institution responsible for the diagnosis; the objectives pursued; the type of techniques used to obtain information and whether or not the study complied with the basic ethical standards for the care and benefit of the informants participating in the diagnoses. The researchers stressed the ethical handling of the information and the implications of this for the child victims identified. The main results show that the research was carried out in 48 municipalities, with 68.75% being carried out by institutions and organizations specializing in social assistance and/or private consultancy. Only a third of the studies (31.25%) were conducted by institutions specializing in social research. A total of 62.5% of the studies utilized quantitative techniques, while 43.75% employed qualitative techniques and 6.25% of the research combined the use of both techniques.

Keywords : Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC); systematization of studies; national CSEC reports.

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