Introduction to Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: Understanding and Supporting Male Survivors
Please note: This training is not eligible for CE credits.
Each registration includes a certificate for attendance. To be eligible for a certificate, you must attend the entire live training and complete an evaluation form within 24 hours following the live event.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a form of child abuse and a serious crime in which minors are sexually exploited for financial gain. This includes activities such as prostitution, sex trafficking, pornography, and other forms of transactional sex. While often overlooked, studies suggest that between 31% and 71% of youths impacted by CSEC are male. These victims experience negative health outcomes, including worse overall health, depressive symptoms, and suicidal thoughts during adolescence.
During this introductory training, presenter Nathan LaChine offers a comprehensive overview of CSEC, with a specialized focus on the unique experiences of male survivors. Participants join Nathan in exploring the full scope of this critical issue, beginning with essential terminology, definitions, and an understanding of the key dynamics that contribute to the exploitation of minors. The training sheds light on male victimization within CSEC, including risk factors and pathways of entry that uniquely affect boys and young men, such as dysfunctional familial dynamics, homelessness, and vulnerabilities unique to LGBTQIA+ youths.
Additionally, participants acquire the skills to identify early warning signs and risk indicators that could suggest a youth is being groomed, targeted, or actively exploited. LaChine incorporates real-life case studies and survivor testimonials to illustrate the complex experiences of male youths within the larger framework of CSEC.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Define key terminology and concepts related to CSEC.
2) Analyze the distinct dynamics that contribute to the exploitation of male youths in CSEC contexts.
3) Examine the specific risk factors and pathways—including family dynamics, homelessness, systems of care, and LGBTQIA+ vulnerabilities—that heighten exploitation risks for male youths.
4) Identify early warning signs and risk indicators of grooming, targeting, or active exploitation.
5) Evaluate the frequency of male victimization within CSEC and assess how societal misconceptions contribute to the invisibility of male victims.
Audience
The training is designed as an introductory overview for those seeking to reduce the harm of sexual abuse, and who have a background in helping children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. This includes therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, foster parents, teachers, and others.
Content Level
Cancellations
Who's Presenting
Nathaniel LaChine
Nathan LaChine has been a therapeutic foster parent for the last 18 years, specializing in early childhood traumas. Nathan’s current role as a member of the board of directors and webmaster for MaleSurvivor (an international membership organization dedicated to men who are healing from abuse) involves the oversight of the volunteer staff along with the daily operations of the site, which sees over 100,000 visitors and 2.5 million pages views annually. Nathan cohosted a local radio show, “Real Family Matters,” a live resource show for community members to call in and ask questions.
Nathan is also a community educator, providing training and resources for caregivers in Washington state. He is also a community activist for foster parents and youth in care here in Washington State, as well as an author, speaker, and trainer on a wide range of topics.