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The Second Edition of the Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is now available.
Developed by a global Interagency Working Group, these guidelines provide updated, survivor-centred, and precise language to describe sexual exploitation and abuse of children — helping professionals, policymakers, and the media use words that protect rather than harm.
it’s important
Language shapes action. Outdated and inaccurate terms like “child prostitute” or “child pornography” shift blame onto children and distort public understanding.
These revised guidelines clarify definitions, reflect technological and legal developments, and promote respectful, inclusive, and consistent language that strengthens child protection responses and supports survivors.
Collaboration
At the initiative of ECPAT International, this resource was developed by an Interagency Working Group, including over 40 organisations worldwide.
