According to the Undersecretariat for Children, in 2023, 86% of the victims of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (ESNNA) in Chile were women, and 64% were between 14 and 17 years old. These statistics were presented in March 2024 during a session of the Family Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.
Along these lines, the Amparo and Justice Report 2024 highlights that reports of sexual crimes remain proportional to the child and adolescent population, with higher numbers in the regions of Valparaíso, Metropolitana and Biobío. Nationally, reported cases of sexual abuse increased by 45.7% between 2019 and 2023.
Likewise, a study by the Tierra de Esperanza 2022 Foundation indicates that 48% of SEC victims treated in specialized programs are concentrated in the Metropolitan Region and Valparaíso. Furthermore, data from the Children’s Ombudsman’s Office show that in the extreme southern regions, such as Punta Arenas, sexual exploitation networks are concentrated in the main cities, with victimization rates higher than the national average.
On the other hand, in the north of the country, the 2024 Amparo and Justice Report reveals significant increases in cases of sexual exploitation, especially in Arica and Parinacota, where the filing of cases for these crimes grew by 165% compared to 2022. A an increase that could be related to other border crimes, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, which highlights the need for more rigorous preventive and protection actions.
In regions with masculinized industries, such as mining in the north and south of Chile, these labor dynamics could be influencing the prevalence of this crime. The high turnover and transfer of workers in these sectors are also factors to consider, according to what is stated in the study.
The Hogar de Cristo 2021 report highlights that protection residences for girls and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Sexual violence is one of the main causes of entry into the protection system, but these institutions lack adequate reparation and protection mechanisms, perpetuating trauma and increasing the risk of disruptive behavior and social exclusion.
In 2024, the Undersecretariat for Children identified recurring characteristics in cases of sexual exploitation, such as long periods in the protection network, unauthorized departures, drug consumption and links to exploitation networks. Search and Collection Orders (OBR) are a critical alert, especially for adolescents between 14 and 17 years old, who represent the group with the most OBR activations.
The Children’s Ombudsman has publicized these problems and its duty is to urge state authorities to assume their prevention and protection work. Under this context, the effective implementation of the Fourth Framework of Action against SEC by the Undersecretariat for Children is required, as well as the strengthening of the Local Offices for Children for more effective prevention.
202406 Bulletin 4 AEU
