Child Sexual Abuse

As part of our human trafficking glossary project, we’re sharing an entry on child sexual abuse (CSA) written by Langit Siregar, a Global Studies Experiential Intern at St James Research Centre. During her time in Scotland, Langit researched CSA as a grave violation of children’s rights, examining its many forms—from contact abuse to online exploitation—and its profound, lasting impact on survivors. Her work highlights the global prevalence of CSA, the dynamics between victims and perpetrators, and the difficulty of detection, especially when abuse leaves no visible signs.

Langit also explores the links between CSA, child sexual exploitation (CSE), and modern slavery, showing how early abuse can increase vulnerability to trafficking. She examines the growing threat of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the digital age, where victims can be re-victimised each time such material is shared. Her entry concludes with prevention and response strategies—spanning education, legislation, community vigilance, and online safety—reminding us that protecting children requires action at every level of society.

Child Sexual Abuse Research.pdf

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