Definitions
There are variations in definitions both globally and within New Zealand, which has created confusion. The Saint Nicholas Children’s Trust (The Trust) acknowledges the national and international efforts to create a change in terminology to better reflect the nature of the crimes and avoid revictimising and trivialising the abuse.
What do we mean by child sexual exploitation?
Internationally, child sexual exploitation¹ (CSE) is a broad term that aligns with global guidelines such as the Luxembourg Guidelines. CSE encompasses all forms of child sexual exploitation, which are discussed throughout the website. This includes:
- online child sexual exploitation (OCSE)
- child sexual abuse (CSA)
- child sex trafficking (CST), which can include the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).
Child sexual abuse is defined, under the NZ Crimes Act 1961 and the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, as any sexual behaviour with a child that is abusive or exploitative. This includes: engaging in sexual acts, exploitation, grooming, consent, emotional and psychological abuse.
In New Zealand, child sex trafficking is defined as the sexual exploitation of a person under the age of 18. This usually involves commercial sexual exploitation (of children) which is when an adult pays a child under 18 to perform a sexual act, using gifts, money, or favours.
The definition and management of child sexual exploitation are guided by several key pieces of legislation and international commitments including the Crimes Act (1961).
New Zealand's approach to combating child sexual exploitation involves a combination of preventive measures, legal frameworks, and support services to protect and assist victims. New Zealand also emphasises collaboration with international agencies to address trafficking effectively and uphold human rights standards.
¹ Sometimes CSEA (Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) is also used.
