What is Child Pornagraphy? Contents From National Center for Missing Children

What is Child Pornography?

Under federal law, child pornography1 is defined as a visual depiction ofany kind, including a drawing, cartoon, sculpture, or painting, photograph,film, video, or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or producedby electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, whereit

depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene, or

depicts an image that is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in graphicbestiality, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or sexual intercourse, includinggenital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, or oral-anal, whether betweenpersons of the same or opposite sex, and such depiction lacks serious literary,artistic, political, or scientific value.2

Sexually explicit conduct includes various forms of sexual activity such asintercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, andlascivious exhibition of the genitals.3 It is illegal to possess, distribute,or manufacture these images.

These illegal images can be presented in various forms including printmedia; videotape; film; compact disc, read-only memory (CD-ROM); or digitalversatile technology (DVD)4 and can be transmitted through computerbulletin-board systems (BBS), USENET Newsgroups, Internet Relay Chat, web-basedgroups, peer-to-peer technology, and an array of constantly changing world wideweb sites.5

All states and the District of Columbia have laws concerning childpornography. As a result a person who violates federal laws concerning theseimages may also face additional state charges.

Who Is a Minor?

Federal statute defines “minor” as any person youngerthan 18.6 “While a majority of states follow the federal statute, some statelaws define ‘minor’ or ‘child’ as a youth younger than 14, 16, or 17.7 Delawarelaw includes any person 18 years of age and younger in its definition of a‘child.’”8

Is Child Pornography a Crime?

Yes, the possession or distribution of child pornographyis illegal under federal laws and laws in all 50 states; however, researchersand law-enforcement officials believe this crime is increasing and the increaseis related to growing Internet use.9

In response to this growing crime, the U.S. Department of Justice (USDoJ)has responded in several ways including funding the National Center for Missing& Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, www.cybertipline.com, acting as thenational clearinghouse for reports of Internet-related child pornography andother Internet-related sex crimes committed against children. The USDoJ alsocreated regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces to assiststate and local law enforcement in handling these crimes and funded specializedInternet child exploitation units in federal law-enforcement agencies.10

Where Is Child Pornography Predominantly Found?

The development, increasing accessibility, and use of home-computertechnology has revolutionized the distribution of these images by increasingthe ease and decreasing the cost of production and distribution especiallyacross international borders. Computer technology is transforming theproduction of these images into a “sophisticated global cottageindustry.”11

It is not unusual to encounter illegal images while exploring legitimateareas of the Internet. A current study has estimated that “as much as 20percent of all pornographic activity on the Internet may involve children”;12however, accurate estimates are difficult to produce since a reliablemethodology to measure the actual extent of these images online has yet to bedevised.13 Nonetheless parents and guardians should closely monitor the onlineactivities of their children and always maintain access to their children’sonline accounts.

What Motivates People Who Possess Child Pornography?

• sexually interested in prepubescent children (pedophiles) or youngadolescents (hebephiles), who use child pornography for sexual fantasy andgratification • sexually “indiscriminate,” meaning they are constantly lookingfor new and different sexual stimuli • sexually curious, downloading a fewimages to satisfy that curiosity • interested in profiting financially byselling images or setting up web sites requiring payment for access15

Who Possesses Child Pornography?

The diversity of these possessors is exemplified by many factors includingwide age ranges; incomes ranging from poverty to wealth; levels of educationrunning the gamut from some not finishing high school to others having postcollege degrees; and those who come from cities, suburbs, small towns, andrural areas. Some are well known, well thought of in their communities, and/orhave high-profile jobs. Others seem isolated, seem to be obsessed with theInternet, and/or have long criminal histories.16

Almost all child-pornography possessors (estimated 1,713) arrested betweenJuly 1, 2000, and June 30, 2001, were male, 91% were white, and 86% were olderthan 25. Only 3% were younger than 18. Most were unmarried at the time of theircrime, either because they had never married (41%) or because they wereseparated, divorced, or widowed (21%). Thirty-eight (38%) percent were eithermarried or living with partners.17

Of those estimated arrestees, most had sexually abusive images ofprepubescent children (83%) and images graphically depicting sexual penetration(80%). Approximately 1 in 5 people arrested (21%) had images depicting sexualviolence to children such as bondage, rape, and torture. More than 1 in 3 (39%)had child-pornography videos with motion and sound.18

Of those estimated arrestees, law enforcement found about half (48%) hadmore than 100 graphic still images, and 14% had 1,000 or more graphicimages.19

Forty percent (40%) of those estimated arrestees were “dual offenders,” whosexually victimized children and possessed child pornography, with both crimesdiscovered in the same investigation. An additional 15% were dual offenders whoattempted to sexually victimize children by soliciting undercover investigatorswho posed online as minors.20

How Old Were the Children Found in These Images?

According to investigators who handled the cases of estimated arrestees,most had images of children who had not yet reached puberty. Specifically 83%had images of children between ages 6 and 12; 39% had images of 3- to5-year-old children; and 19% had images of toddlers or infants younger than age3.21

Are the Children in the Images Boys or Girls?

According to investigators who handled the cases of estimated arrestees, 62%had pictures of mostly girls. Fourteen percent (14%) had pictures of mostlyboys. Fifteen percent (15%) had pictures showing boys and girls in about equalnumbers.22

How Graphic Are the Images?

According to investigators who handled the cases of estimated arrestees,most had graphic images explicitly showing sexual acts by or on children.Specifically 92% had images of minors focusing on genitals or showing explicitsexual activity; 80% had pictures showing the sexual penetration of a child,including oral sex; 71% possessed images showing sexual contact between anadult and a minor, defined as an adult touching the genitals or breasts of aminor or vice-versa; 21% had child pornography depicting violence such asbondage, rape, or torture and most of those involved images of children whowere gagged, bound, blindfolded, or otherwise enduring sadistic sex; and 79%also had what might be termed “softcore” images of nude or semi-nude minors,but only 1% possessed such images alone.23

What Are the Effects of Child Pornography?

It is important to realize these images can have a devastating and lastingeffect on children. In addition to any physical injuries they might suffer inthe course of their molestation, such as genital bruising, lacerations, orexposure to sexually transmitted diseases, child victims may also experiencedepression, withdrawal, anger, and other psychological disorders.24 Sucheffects may continue into adulthood. For instance women abused as children havestatistically significant higher rates of nightmares, back pain, headaches,pelvic pain, eating binges, and other similar symptoms.25 Child victims alsofrequently experience feelings of guilt and responsibility for the abuse andbetrayal, a sense of powerlessness, and feelings of worthlessness and lowself-esteem.26 These feelings are often expressed through increased fearfulnessand changes in sleep patterns including re-occurring memories, flashbacks,dreams, and nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress.27 Younger childrentend to externalize stress by re-enacting sexual activities through play, whileadolescents may experience negative effects on their growing sexuality as aresult of inappropriate early sexual experiences.28

The lives of children featured in these illegal images are forever altered,not only by the molestation but by the permanent record of the exploitation.Once sexual exploitation takes place, the molester may document theseencounters on film or video. This documentation can then become the“ammunition” needed to blackmail the child into further submission, which isnecessary to continue the relationship and maintain its secrecy. In additionthese documented images allow molesters to “relive” their sexual fantasies withchildren long after the exploitation has stopped.

A greater number of child molesters are now using computer technology toorganize and maintain their collections of these illegal images. They are alsousing the Internet to increase the size of these collections. Personallymanufactured illegal images of children are especially valuable on theInternet, which provide the molester with a respected status among fellowexploiters and traders of this material. Once this status is achieved,molesters will often begin to trade images of their own sexual exploits withchildren.

When these images reach cyberspace, they are irretrievable and can continueto circulate forever. Thus the child is revictimized as the images are viewedagain and again.

How Do Online Exploiters Find Children?

After this initial meeting, these individuals will often continue tocommunicate with the child electronically or through other means. Some of theseindividuals may then attempt to lower the child’s inhibitions by graduallyintroducing sexual content into their online conversations and even send thechild sexually abusive images of other children. When children are shown imagesof peers engaged in sexual activities, they are led to believe this behavior isacceptable. This lowers their inhibitions and makes it easier for the molesterto take advantage of the child sexually.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to speak openly with theirchildren about online risks and monitor their online activities.

End Notes 1As stated by Janis Wolak, Kimberly Mitchell, and David Finkelhorin Internet Sex Crimes Against Minors: The Response of Law Enforcement(Alexandria, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,November 2003, page vii), “The term ‘child pornography,’ because it impliessimply conventional pornography with child subjects, is an inappropriate termto describe the true nature and extent of sexually exploitive images of childvictims. Use of this term should not be taken to imply that children‘consented’ to the sexual acts depicted in these photographs; however, it isthe term most readily recognized by the public, at this point in time, todescribe this form of child sexual exploitation. It is used in this [document]to refer to illegal pictorial material involving children under the standardsdeveloped by statute, case law, and law-enforcement-agency protocols. It ishoped a more accurate term will be recognized, understood, and accepted for usein the near future.” 218 U.S.C. § 1466A and 18 U.S.C. § 2256. 3Id. 4Eva J.Klain, Heather J. Davies, Molly A. Hicks. Child Pornography: TheCriminal-Justice-System Response (Alexandria, Virginia: National Center forMissing & Exploited Children, March 2001, page 1) [hereinafter Response],citing Daniel S. Armagh, Nick L. Battaglia, and Kenneth V. Lanning, Use ofComputers in the Sexual Exploitation of Children, Office of Juvenile Justiceand Delinquency Prevention, Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse.Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, 1999, page 6. 5Response, supranote 4, page 1. 6Janis Wolak, David Finkelhor, and Kimberly Mitchell.Child-Pornography Possessors Arrested in Internet-Related Crimes: Findings Fromthe National Juvenile Online Victimization Study (Alexandria, Virginia:National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2005, page ix)[hereinafter Possessors] citing 18 U.S.C. § 2256(1).) 7Possessors, pages ix-xciting research conducted by the National Center for Missing & ExploitedChildren in December 2004 which found, in regard to state statutescriminalizing possession of child pornography, 37 states define “minor” or“child” as a youth younger than the age of 18 (Alaska, ALASKA STAT. §11.61.127(a); Arizona, ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 13-3551(5); California, CAL. PENALCODE § 311.11(a); Colorado, COLO. REV. STAT. § 18-6-403(2)(a); Connecticut,CONN. GEN. STAT. § 1-1d; Florida, FLA. STAT. ch. 827.01(2); Georgia, GA. CODEANN. § 16-12-100(a)(1); Hawaii, HAW. REV. STAT. § 707-752(2); Idaho, IDAHO CODE§ 8-1507(2)(b); Illinois, 720 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-20.1(6); Iowa, IOWA CODE §728.1(4); Kansas, KAN. STAT. ANN. § 21-3516(a)(2); Kentucky, KY. REV. STAT.ANN. §§ 2.015, 500.080(9); Massachusetts, MASS. GEN. LAWS ch. 272, § 29C;Michigan, MICH. COMP. LAWS § 750.145c(b); Minnesota, MINN. STAT. §617.246(1)(b); Mississippi, MISS. CODE ANN. § 97-5-31(a); Missouri, MO. REV.STAT. § 573.010(2); Montana, MONT. CODE ANN. §§ 45-5-625, 45-8-205; New Mexico,N.M. STAT. ANN. § 30-6A-3(A); North Carolina, N.C. GEN. STAT. § 14-190.13(3);North Dakota, N.D. CENT. CODE § 12.1-27.2-05(1); Ohio, OHIO REV. CODE ANN. §2907.01(M); Oklahoma, OKLA. STAT. tit. 21, § 1024.1(A); Oregon, OR. REV. STAT.§ 163.665(1); Pennsylvania, 18 PA. CONS. STAT. § 6312(d)(1); Rhode Island, R.I.GEN. LAWS § 11-9-1.3(c)(3); South Carolina, S.C. CODE ANN. § 16-15-375(3);South Dakota, S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 22-22-24.1(3); Tennessee, TENN. CODE ANN. §39-17-1002(3); Texas, TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 43.26(a); Utah, UTAH CODE ANN. §76-5a-2(5); Virginia, VA. CODE ANN. § 18.2-374.1:1(A); Washington, WASH. REV.CODE § 9.68A.011(4); West Virginia, W. VA. CODE § 61-8C-1(a); Wisconsin, WIS.STAT. § 948.01(1); Wyoming, WYO. STAT. ANN. § 6-4-303(a)(i)); 3 define “minor”or “child” as a youth younger than the age of 17 (Alabama, ALA. CODE §13A-12-192; Arkansas, ARK. CODE ANN. § 5-27-302(1); and Louisiana, LA. REV.STAT. ANN. § 14:81.1(A)(3)); 7 define “minor” or “child” as a youth youngerthan the age of 16 (Indiana, IND. CODE § 35-42-4-4(c); Maryland, MD. CODE ANN.,Crim. Law § 11-208(a); Nevada, NEV. REV. STAT. 200.730; New Hampshire, N.H.REV. STAT. ANN. § 649-A:2(I); New Jersey, N.J. STAT. ANN. § 2C: 24-4(b)(1); NewYork, N.Y. PENAL LAW § 263.16; and Vermont, VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 13, § 2821(1));and 1 defines “minor” or “child” as a youth younger than the age of 14 (Maine,ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 17, § 2924(2-A)). The age of a “child” in Nebraskadepends on whether the child is a participant (younger than 18 years of age) ora portrayed observer (younger than 16 years of age). NEB. REV. STAT. §28-1463.02(1). In the District of Columbia, possession of child pornographywith the intent to disseminate may be prosecuted under the general obscenitystatute; however, mere possession is not mentioned. D.C. CODE ANN. §22-2201(a)(1)(E). There are two criminal offenses that address “sexualperformances using minors”: “using a minor in a sexual performance” and“promoting a sexual performance by a minor.” D.C. CODE ANN. § 22-3102. Forthese offenses, “minor” is defined as any person younger than 16 years of age.D.C. CODE ANN. §§ 22-3101(2), 22-3102. 8Possessors, supra note 6, page xciting DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 11, § 1103(e). 9Possessors, supra note 6, page ix. 10Id. 11Response, supra note 4, page 3, citing Child Pornography: AnInternational Perspective, World Congress Against the Commercial SexualExploitation of Children, Stockholm, Sweden, August 27-31, 1996, page 9. 12Response, supra note 4, page 3, citing Allotted Day on Child Pornography,36th Parliament, 1st Session, Edited Hansand 1, No. 172, February 2, 1999, page12. 13Response, supra note 4, page 3. 14Possessors, supra note 6, page xciting Response, supra note 4 and M. Taylor and E. Quayle. Child pornography:An Internet crime. Hove: Brunner-Routledge, 2003. 15Possessors, supra note 6,page x. 16Id., pages 2-3. 17Id., pages 1-2. 18Id., page vii. 19Id., page7. 20Id., page viii. 21Id., page 4. 22Id., page 5. 23Id. 24Response, supranote 4, page 10, citing Bentovim and Bentovim, “The Effects on Children andTheir Families” in Organized Abuse: The Current Debate, pages 60-62[hereinafter Effects on Children]. 25Response, supra note 4, page 10, citingJeanne McCauley, David E. Kern, Ken Kolodner, et al., Clinical Characteristicsof Women with a History of Childhood Abuse: Unhealed Wounds, 277 JAMA 1197,page 1362. 26Response, supra note 4, page 10, citing Heather Y. Swanston,Jennifer S. Tebbutt, Brian I. O’Toole, and R. Kim Oates, Sexually AbusedChildren 5 Years After Presentation: A Case-Control Study, 100 Pediatrics,1997, page 600, 603. 27Response, supra note 4, page 10, citing Effects onChildren, supra note 24, pages 60-62. 28Id.

What is the Molestation of Children?

Every child is vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Child victims can be boysas well as girls and older as well as younger.

Child molestation can include

Fondling or touching

“Flashing” or exposing adult genitals to a child

Showing sexually explicit material to a child

So called “normal” sexual activity such as vaginal or anal intercourse ororal stimulation of the genitals

So called “deviant” sexual activity such as urination, defecation,sadomasochism, or bondage

Child molesters can use many methods such as

Child molesters most often manipulate child victims into complying withsexual activity by “grooming” them with attention, affection, and gifts over aperiod of time. Sometimes this “grooming” is aimed at the parent of very youngchildren in order for the child molester to obtain the family’s trust andthereby gain access to the child.

Adapted from Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis. Copyright © 2001National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved.

Signs of Sexual Exploitation in Children

Parents, grandparents, and guardians should be aware of the signs notedbelow that could indicate your child has been sexually molested. You shouldnote that some of these behaviors may have other explanations, but it isimportant to assist your child no matter what the cause of these symptoms orbehaviors.

Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, andexcessive crying

Bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleepdisturbances

Acting out inappropriate sexual activity or showing an unusual interest insexual matters

A sudden acting out of feelings or aggressive or rebellious behavior

Regression to infantile behavior; clinging

School or behavioral problems

Changes in toilet-training habits

A fear of certain places, people, or activities

Bruises, rashes, cuts, limping, multiple or poorly explained injuries

Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in the private areas

If you observe any of these behaviors, talk to your child about the causes.Behavioral changes such as these may be due to causes other than sexualexploitation such as a medical, family, or school problem. Also keep in mindthat sometimes children do not always demonstrate obvious signs such as thesebut may do or say something that hints at the exploitation.

Information adapted from

Coaxing or persuading a child into sexual activity

Overpowering or threatening to harm a child into sexual activity

Individuals looking for potential child victims online have no difficultyfinding them. It is quite common for these individuals to frequent “kids only”chatrooms and communicate with children who unwittingly divulge personalinformation about themselves. A more recent phenomenon is the solicitation ofsex over the Internet.

There is not much research about the motivations of people who possess childpornography. But, from the little information that exists, it suggests thesepeople are a diverse group who use sexually abusive images of children for avariety of reasons.14 Those who possess child pornography include people whoare

The Internet has created an exciting new world of information andcommunication for anyone with access to online services. While this technologyoffers unparalleled opportunities for children and adults to learn about theuniverse we live in, it has also had an immeasurable impact on the sexualexploitation of children, specifically the distribution of sexually exploitiveimages of children.

What is Child Pornography?

Under federal law, child pornography1 is defined as a visual depiction ofany kind, including a drawing, cartoon, sculpture, or painting, photograph,film, video, or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or producedby electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, whereit

depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene, or

depicts an image that is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in graphicbestiality, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or sexual intercourse, includinggenital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, or oral-anal, whether betweenpersons of the same or opposite sex, and such depiction lacks serious literary,artistic, political, or scientific value.2

Sexually explicit conduct includes various forms of sexual activity such asintercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, andlascivious exhibition of the genitals.3 It is illegal to possess, distribute,or manufacture these images.

These illegal images can be presented in various forms including printmedia; videotape; film; compact disc, read-only memory (CD-ROM); or digitalversatile technology (DVD)4 and can be transmitted through computerbulletin-board systems (BBS), USENET Newsgroups, Internet Relay Chat, web-basedgroups, peer-to-peer technology, and an array of constantly changing world wideweb sites.5

All states and the District of Columbia have laws concerning childpornography. As a result a person who violates federal laws concerning theseimages may also face additional state charges.

Who Is a Minor?

Federal statute defines “minor” as any person younger than 18.6 “While amajority of states follow the federal statute, some state laws define ‘minor’or ‘child’ as a youth younger than 14, 16, or 17.7 Delaware law includes anyperson 18 years of age and younger in its definition of a ‘child.’”8

Is Child Pornography a Crime?

Yes, the possession or distribution of child pornography is illegal underfederal laws and laws in all 50 states; however, researchers andlaw-enforcement officials believe this crime is increasing and the increase isrelated to growing Internet use.9

In response to this growing crime, the U.S. Department of Justice (USDoJ)has responded in several ways including funding the National Center for Missing& Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, www.cybertipline.com, acting as thenational clearinghouse for reports of Internet-related child pornography andother Internet-related sex crimes committed against children. The USDoJ alsocreated regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces to assiststate and local law enforcement in handling these crimes and funded specializedInternet child exploitation units in federal law-enforcement agencies.10

Where Is Child Pornography Predominantly Found?

The development, increasing accessibility, and use of home-computertechnology has revolutionized the distribution of these images by increasingthe ease and decreasing the cost of production and distribution especiallyacross international borders. Computer technology is transforming theproduction of these images into a “sophisticated global cottageindustry.”11

It is not unusual to encounter illegal images while exploring legitimateareas of the Internet. A current study has estimated that “as much as 20percent of all pornographic activity on the Internet may involve children”;12however, accurate estimates are difficult to produce since a reliablemethodology to measure the actual extent of these images online has yet to bedevised.13 Nonetheless parents and guardians should closely monitor the onlineactivities of their children and always maintain access to their children’sonline accounts.

What Motivates People Who Possess Child Pornography?

• sexually interested in prepubescent children (pedophiles) or youngadolescents (hebephiles), who use child pornography for sexual fantasy andgratification • sexually “indiscriminate,” meaning they are constantly lookingfor new and different sexual stimuli • sexually curious, downloading a fewimages to satisfy that curiosity • interested in profiting financially byselling images or setting up web sites requiring payment for access15

Who Possesses Child Pornography?

The diversity of these possessors is exemplified by many factors includingwide age ranges; incomes ranging from poverty to wealth; levels of educationrunning the gamut from some not finishing high school to others having postcollege degrees; and those who come from cities, suburbs, small towns, andrural areas. Some are well known, well thought of in their communities, and/orhave high-profile jobs. Others seem isolated, seem to be obsessed with theInternet, and/or have long criminal histories.16

Almost all child-pornography possessors (estimated 1,713) arrested betweenJuly 1, 2000, and June 30, 2001, were male, 91% were white, and 86% were olderthan 25. Only 3% were younger than 18. Most were unmarried at the time of theircrime, either because they had never married (41%) or because they wereseparated, divorced, or widowed (21%). Thirty-eight (38%) percent were eithermarried or living with partners.17

Of those estimated arrestees, most had sexually abusive images ofprepubescent children (83%) and images graphically depicting sexual penetration(80%). Approximately 1 in 5 people arrested (21%) had images depicting sexualviolence to children such as bondage, rape, and torture. More than 1 in 3 (39%)had child-pornography videos with motion and sound.18

Of those estimated arrestees, law enforcement found about half (48%) hadmore than 100 graphic still images, and 14% had 1,000 or more graphicimages.19

Forty percent (40%) of those estimated arrestees were “dual offenders,” whosexually victimized children and possessed child pornography, with both crimesdiscovered in the same investigation. An additional 15% were dual offenders whoattempted to sexually victimize children by soliciting undercover investigatorswho posed online as minors.20

How Old Were the Children Found in These Images?

According to investigators who handled the cases of estimated arrestees,most had images of children who had not yet reached puberty. Specifically 83%had images of children between ages 6 and 12; 39% had images of 3- to5-year-old children; and 19% had images of toddlers or infants younger than age3.21

Are the Children in the Images Boys or Girls?

According to investigators who handled the cases of estimated arrestees, 62%had pictures of mostly girls. Fourteen percent (14%) had pictures of mostlyboys. Fifteen percent (15%) had pictures showing boys and girls in about equalnumbers.22

How Graphic Are the Images?

According to investigators who handled the cases of estimated arrestees,most had graphic images explicitly showing sexual acts by or on children.Specifically 92% had images of minors focusing on genitals or showing explicitsexual activity; 80% had pictures showing the sexual penetration of a child,including oral sex; 71% possessed images showing sexual contact between anadult and a minor, defined as an adult touching the genitals or breasts of aminor or vice-versa; 21% had child pornography depicting violence such asbondage, rape, or torture and most of those involved images of children whowere gagged, bound, blindfolded, or otherwise enduring sadistic sex; and 79%also had what might be termed “softcore” images of nude or semi-nude minors,but only 1% possessed such images alone.23

What Are the Effects of Child Pornography?

It is important to realize these images can have a devastating and lastingeffect on children. In addition to any physical injuries they might suffer inthe course of their molestation, such as genital bruising, lacerations, orexposure to sexually transmitted diseases, child victims may also experiencedepression, withdrawal, anger, and other psychological disorders.24 Sucheffects may continue into adulthood. For instance women abused as children havestatistically significant higher rates of nightmares, back pain, headaches,pelvic pain, eating binges, and other similar symptoms.25 Child victims alsofrequently experience feelings of guilt and responsibility for the abuse andbetrayal, a sense of powerlessness, and feelings of worthlessness and lowself-esteem.26 These feelings are often expressed through increased fearfulnessand changes in sleep patterns including re-occurring memories, flashbacks,dreams, and nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress.27 Younger childrentend to externalize stress by re-enacting sexual activities through play, whileadolescents may experience negative effects on their growing sexuality as aresult of inappropriate early sexual experiences.28

The lives of children featured in these illegal images are forever altered,not only by the molestation but by the permanent record of the exploitation.Once sexual exploitation takes place, the molester may document theseencounters on film or video. This documentation can then become the“ammunition” needed to blackmail the child into further submission, which isnecessary to continue the relationship and maintain its secrecy. In additionthese documented images allow molesters to “relive” their sexual fantasies withchildren long after the exploitation has stopped.

A greater number of child molesters are now using computer technology toorganize and maintain their collections of these illegal images. They are alsousing the Internet to increase the size of these collections. Personallymanufactured illegal images of children are especially valuable on theInternet, which provide the molester with a respected status among fellowexploiters and traders of this material. Once this status is achieved,molesters will often begin to trade images of their own sexual exploits withchildren.

When these images reach cyberspace, they are irretrievable and can continueto circulate forever. Thus the child is revictimized as the images are viewedagain and again.

How Do Online Exploiters Find Children?

After this initial meeting, these individuals will often continue tocommunicate with the child electronically or through other means. Some of theseindividuals may then attempt to lower the child’s inhibitions by graduallyintroducing sexual content into their online conversations and even send thechild sexually abusive images of other children. When children are shown imagesof peers engaged in sexual activities, they are led to believe this behavior isacceptable. This lowers their inhibitions and makes it easier for the molesterto take advantage of the child sexually.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to speak openly with theirchildren about online risks and monitor their online activities.

End Notes 1As stated by Janis Wolak, Kimberly Mitchell, and David Finkelhorin Internet Sex Crimes Against Minors: The Response of Law Enforcement(Alexandria, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,November 2003, page vii), “The term ‘child pornography,’ because it impliessimply conventional pornography with child subjects, is an inappropriate termto describe the true nature and extent of sexually exploitive images of childvictims. Use of this term should not be taken to imply that children‘consented’ to the sexual acts depicted in these photographs; however, it isthe term most readily recognized by the public, at this point in time, todescribe this form of child sexual exploitation. It is used in this [document]to refer to illegal pictorial material involving children under the standardsdeveloped by statute, case law, and law-enforcement-agency protocols. It ishoped a more accurate term will be recognized, understood, and accepted for usein the near future.” 218 U.S.C. § 1466A and 18 U.S.C. § 2256. 3Id. 4Eva J.Klain, Heather J. Davies, Molly A. Hicks. Child Pornography: TheCriminal-Justice-System Response (Alexandria, Virginia: National Center forMissing & Exploited Children, March 2001, page 1) [hereinafter Response],citing Daniel S. Armagh, Nick L. Battaglia, and Kenneth V. Lanning, Use ofComputers in the Sexual Exploitation of Children, Office of Juvenile Justiceand Delinquency Prevention, Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse.Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, 1999, page 6. 5Response, supranote 4, page 1. 6Janis Wolak, David Finkelhor, and Kimberly Mitchell.Child-Pornography Possessors Arrested in Internet-Related Crimes: Findings Fromthe National Juvenile Online Victimization Study (Alexandria, Virginia:National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2005, page ix)[hereinafter Possessors] citing 18 U.S.C. § 2256(1).) 7Possessors, pages ix-xciting research conducted by the National Center for Missing & ExploitedChildren in December 2004 which found, in regard to state statutescriminalizing possession of child pornography, 37 states define “minor” or“child” as a youth younger than the age of 18 (Alaska, ALASKA STAT. §11.61.127(a); Arizona, ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 13-3551(5); California, CAL. PENALCODE § 311.11(a); Colorado, COLO. REV. STAT. § 18-6-403(2)(a); Connecticut,CONN. GEN. STAT. § 1-1d; Florida, FLA. STAT. ch. 827.01(2); Georgia, GA. CODEANN. § 16-12-100(a)(1); Hawaii, HAW. REV. STAT. § 707-752(2); Idaho, IDAHO CODE§ 8-1507(2)(b); Illinois, 720 ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/11-20.1(6); Iowa, IOWA CODE §728.1(4); Kansas, KAN. STAT. ANN. § 21-3516(a)(2); Kentucky, KY. REV. STAT.ANN. §§ 2.015, 500.080(9); Massachusetts, MASS. GEN. LAWS ch. 272, § 29C;Michigan, MICH. COMP. LAWS § 750.145c(b); Minnesota, MINN. STAT. §617.246(1)(b); Mississippi, MISS. CODE ANN. § 97-5-31(a); Missouri, MO. REV.STAT. § 573.010(2); Montana, MONT. CODE ANN. §§ 45-5-625, 45-8-205; New Mexico,N.M. STAT. ANN. § 30-6A-3(A); North Carolina, N.C. GEN. STAT. § 14-190.13(3);North Dakota, N.D. CENT. CODE § 12.1-27.2-05(1); Ohio, OHIO REV. CODE ANN. §2907.01(M); Oklahoma, OKLA. STAT. tit. 21, § 1024.1(A); Oregon, OR. REV. STAT.§ 163.665(1); Pennsylvania, 18 PA. CONS. STAT. § 6312(d)(1); Rhode Island, R.I.GEN. LAWS § 11-9-1.3(c)(3); South Carolina, S.C. CODE ANN. § 16-15-375(3);South Dakota, S.D. CODIFIED LAWS § 22-22-24.1(3); Tennessee, TENN. CODE ANN. §39-17-1002(3); Texas, TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 43.26(a); Utah, UTAH CODE ANN. §76-5a-2(5); Virginia, VA. CODE ANN. § 18.2-374.1:1(A); Washington, WASH. REV.CODE § 9.68A.011(4); West Virginia, W. VA. CODE § 61-8C-1(a); Wisconsin, WIS.STAT. § 948.01(1); Wyoming, WYO. STAT. ANN. § 6-4-303(a)(i)); 3 define “minor”or “child” as a youth younger than the age of 17 (Alabama, ALA. CODE §13A-12-192; Arkansas, ARK. CODE ANN. § 5-27-302(1); and Louisiana, LA. REV.STAT. ANN. § 14:81.1(A)(3)); 7 define “minor” or “child” as a youth youngerthan the age of 16 (Indiana, IND. CODE § 35-42-4-4(c); Maryland, MD. CODE ANN.,Crim. Law § 11-208(a); Nevada, NEV. REV. STAT. 200.730; New Hampshire, N.H.REV. STAT. ANN. § 649-A:2(I); New Jersey, N.J. STAT. ANN. § 2C: 24-4(b)(1); NewYork, N.Y. PENAL LAW § 263.16; and Vermont, VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 13, § 2821(1));and 1 defines “minor” or “child” as a youth younger than the age of 14 (Maine,ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 17, § 2924(2-A)). The age of a “child” in Nebraskadepends on whether the child is a participant (younger than 18 years of age) ora portrayed observer (younger than 16 years of age). NEB. REV. STAT. §28-1463.02(1). In the District of Columbia, possession of child pornographywith the intent to disseminate may be prosecuted under the general obscenitystatute; however, mere possession is not mentioned. D.C. CODE ANN. §22-2201(a)(1)(E). There are two criminal offenses that address “sexualperformances using minors”: “using a minor in a sexual performance” and“promoting a sexual performance by a minor.” D.C. CODE ANN. § 22-3102. Forthese offenses, “minor” is defined as any person younger than 16 years of age.D.C. CODE ANN. §§ 22-3101(2), 22-3102. 8Possessors, supra note 6, page xciting DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 11, § 1103(e). 9Possessors, supra note 6, page ix. 10Id. 11Response, supra note 4, page 3, citing Child Pornography: AnInternational Perspective, World Congress Against the Commercial SexualExploitation of Children, Stockholm, Sweden, August 27-31, 1996, page 9. 12Response, supra note 4, page 3, citing Allotted Day on Child Pornography,36th Parliament, 1st Session, Edited Hansand 1, No. 172, February 2, 1999, page12. 13Response, supra note 4, page 3. 14Possessors, supra note 6, page xciting Response, supra note 4 and M. Taylor and E. Quayle. Child pornography:An Internet crime. Hove: Brunner-Routledge, 2003. 15Possessors, supra note 6,page x. 16Id., pages 2-3. 17Id., pages 1-2. 18Id., page vii. 19Id., page7. 20Id., page viii. 21Id., page 4. 22Id., page 5. 23Id. 24Response, supranote 4, page 10, citing Bentovim and Bentovim, “The Effects on Children andTheir Families” in Organized Abuse: The Current Debate, pages 60-62[hereinafter Effects on Children]. 25Response, supra note 4, page 10, citingJeanne McCauley, David E. Kern, Ken Kolodner, et al., Clinical Characteristicsof Women with a History of Childhood Abuse: Unhealed Wounds, 277 JAMA 1197,page 1362. 26Response, supra note 4, page 10, citing Heather Y. Swanston,Jennifer S. Tebbutt, Brian I. O’Toole, and R. Kim Oates, Sexually AbusedChildren 5 Years After Presentation: A Case-Control Study, 100 Pediatrics,1997, page 600, 603. 27Response, supra note 4, page 10, citing Effects onChildren, supra note 24, pages 60-62. 28Id.

What is the Molestation of Children?

Every child is vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Child victims can be boysas well as girls and older as well as younger.

Child molestation can include

Fondling or touching

“Flashing” or exposing adult genitals to a child

Showing sexually explicit material to a child

So called “normal” sexual activity such as vaginal or anal intercourse ororal stimulation of the genitals

So called “deviant” sexual activity such as urination, defecation,sadomasochism, or bondage

Child molesters can use many methods such as

Child molesters most often manipulate child victims into complying withsexual activity by “grooming” them with attention, affection, and gifts over aperiod of time. Sometimes this “grooming” is aimed at the parent of very youngchildren in order for the child molester to obtain the family’s trust andthereby gain access to the child.

Adapted from Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis. Copyright © 2001National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved.

Signs of Sexual Exploitation in Children

Parents, grandparents, and guardians should be aware of the signs notedbelow that could indicate your child has been sexually molested. You shouldnote that some of these behaviors may have other explanations, but it isimportant to assist your child no matter what the cause of these symptoms orbehaviors.

Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, andexcessive crying

Bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleepdisturbances

Acting out inappropriate sexual activity or showing an unusual interest insexual matters

A sudden acting out of feelings or aggressive or rebellious behavior

Regression to infantile behavior; clinging

School or behavioral problems

Changes in toilet-training habits

A fear of certain places, people, or activities

Bruises, rashes, cuts, limping, multiple or poorly explained injuries

Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in the private areas

If you observe any of these behaviors, talk to your child about the causes.Behavioral changes such as these may be due to causes other than sexualexploitation such as a medical, family, or school problem. Also keep in mindthat sometimes children do not always demonstrate obvious signs such as thesebut may do or say something that hints at the exploitation.

Information adapted from

Coaxing or persuading a child into sexual activity

Overpowering or threatening to harm a child into sexual activity

Individuals looking for potential child victims online have no difficultyfinding them. It is quite common for these individuals to frequent “kids only”chatrooms and communicate with children who unwittingly divulge personalinformation about themselves. A more recent phenomenon is the solicitation ofsex over the Internet.

There is not much research about the motivations of people who possess childpornography. But, from the little information that exists, it suggests thesepeople are a diverse group who use sexually abusive images of children for avariety of reasons.14 Those who possess child pornography include people whoare

The Internet has created an exciting new world of information andcommunication for anyone with access to online services. While this technologyoffers unparalleled opportunities for children and adults to learn about theuniverse we live in, it has also had an immeasurable impact on the sexualexploitation of children, specifically the distribution of sexually exploitiveimages of children.

Adapted from

What to Do If a Child Discloses Sexual Exploitation

If your child discloses sexual exploitation, how you react is an importantpart of child protection.

Underreact to or minimize the information

Overreact to the information or panic

Criticize or blame your child

Respect your child’s privacy

Support your child and the decision to tell

Show physical affection, and express love and support with words andgestures

Explain to your child that he or she has done nothing wrong

Help your child understand it was the offender’s responsibility, not yourchild’s

Remember that children seldom lie about acts of sexual exploitation

Keep the lines of communication open

Seek appropriate medical care for your child

Notify law enforcement

Alert the child-protection, youth-services, child-abuse, or otherappropriate social-services organizations in cooperation with lawenforcement

Consider the need for counseling or therapy for your child and the entirefamily

Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s 24-hour,toll-free telephone line to report any information about missing or sexuallyexploited children at 1-800-843-5678. This number is available throughout theUnited States, Mexico, and Canada. The TDD Hotline is 1-800-826-7653.

Often children do not disclose about incidents of sexual exploitation. It isup to attentive adults to recognize the

We have these resources and more at www.ChildProtectioncCommunity.com

Do

Don’t