The number of reports of sexual exploitation of minors in Belgium doubled in just three years, according to the 2024 report by the Brussels-based child protection agency, Child Focus. The organisation noted that victims are getting younger.
"For several years in a row, more and more children are becoming victims of disappearances and sexual exploitation. And unfortunately, this year is no different," the organisation noted on Thursday.
Among the rising reported incidents, the organisation opened a record number of 178 new cases of "sextortion" involving minors. This refers to when someone is persuaded into send nude videos or images, which perpetrators threaten to distribute unless money or new images are sent.
Similarly, cross-border sexting – when nudes are shown or shared without the consent of the person depicted – has emerged as a growing problem. Last year, 227 new cases were opened, a 30% increase compared to 2023. The victims of this crime are notably getting younger. Around 28% of victims were in primary school, while 58% were 14 years old or younger.
The trend of the shift in age was also noted in last year's 43 grooming cases, where victims were "younger than ever." Grooming refers to when an adult deliberately approaches minors for a sexual purpose. A total of 70% of victims in 2024 were 13 years old or younger.
'Integral part of the online world'
The development of digital technologies has fed the alarming trends of abuse. "Images of child sexual abuse are now an integral part of the online world [...] we are seeing a disturbing increase year after year," Child Focus noted.
A significant problem is nude images and videos created through artificial intelligence manipulation. "These images are often just as harmful to the victim as real images," it added.
Last year, the organisation received 1,899 reports of child sexual abuse images through its online reporting centre. Around 20% of the reports related to social media platforms including Instagram, X, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Brussels' headquarters of Child Focus, a Belgian foundation that investigates child abuse. Credit: Belga/Siska Gremmelprez
While social media companies should be responsible for protecting children on their platforms, the organisation believes there aren't sufficient legal obligations to hold them accountable. "The fight remains uneven," Child Focus noted.
The organisation further noted that the fact that child abuse is increasingly a digital phenomenon has further complicated the ability to prosecute perpetrators. "Many platforms are reluctant to cooperate with the authorities," it added.
'They deserve attention'
The majority (94%) of cases of sexual exploitation of minors in prostitution last year were linked to runaway children. In 2024, Child Focus received 1,808 runaway cases, marking an increase for the third year in a row. These young people are vulnerable to falling prey to sexual exploitation.
According to the organisation, the increasing runaway cases could be a symptom of a lack of support. "This increase can possibly be explained by increasing mental pressure on young people, the lack of structural care facilities and the growing complexity of youth care services," it said. "For some young people, running away is a way to relieve stress and emotional pressure. All young people run away from a situation that is problematic for them."
Child Focus CEO, Nel Broothaerts, called for greater attention to the vulnerable youth. "They deserve attention for their well-being and active help when they are struggling. As a society, we must listen to children and young people, pay attention to their stories and perspectives, and take these seriously."
