Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse

Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are complex phenomena involving multiple actors, requiring a multi-sectoral response. The absence of common language to describe conduct amounting to sexual exploitation and sexual abuse affects and undermines global efforts to protect vulnerable children.

In response to this challenge, the ‘Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse’ (Luxembourg Guidelines) aims to build consensus on key concepts in order to strengthen understanding, data collection, and cooperation across agencies, sectors and countries.

Developed under the guidance of an 18-member Global Interagency Working Group coordinated by ECPAT international, the document is intended for all child protection actors and offers guidance on how to navigate the complex lexicon of terms commonly used to describe sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.