Child Criminal Exploitation

Child criminal exploitation (CCE) is a form of child abuse.  It occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into any criminal activity:

(a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or,
(b) for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator and/or,
(c) through violence or threat of violence.

The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. CCE does not always involve physical contact. It can occur through the use of technology.