prostitution18

Prostitution of Belgian children

32. In a highly developed country such as Belgium, in which just 6 per cent of the
population is living in poverty, entry into prostitution cannot be imputed to economic
necessity. For those who become involved with some degree of Avoluntariness@, the
causes are the same as those found throughout Europe and in other developed countries.
33. These causes include suffering violence and sexual abuse, or emotional neglect and
indifference, in the home from a young age. The Special Rapporteur even received reports
of children having been given by their parents to other members of the family or friends for
the purpose of sexual abuse.
34. It is particularly difficult to assess the extent of child prostitution involving young
children. Much of this type of abuse is hidden, taking place behind closed doors while the
child is still living with his or her family, and most children feel too much guilt and shame to
try to seek help.
35. Many children who suffer such abuse in the home run away around the age of 12 or
13. They often enter prostitution shortly afterwards in order to make some money while
living on the streets, and often to recreate the abuse that they have suffered throughout
their lives, in circumstances in which they have control over it.

36. Older children and teenagers are more likely to admit their involvement in prostitution.
The majority of those being assisted by non-governmental organizations are aged between
15 and 18.

37. Despite the very different circumstances that lead these children, Belgian, immigrant or
refugee, to live and work on the streets, many aspects of their future will be similar. Up to
70 per cent of them become addicted to cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, speed, or a mixture of
these, and some become drug dealers to support their addiction. Other addictions include
gambling, with estimates suggesting that up to 80 per cent of the children=s earnings are
spent in gambling halls. A large number of such halls appeared in Brussels in 1995, and
have now replaced video parks as the main places for street children to hang out.