96% of Dominican minors face sexual exploitation in east region: study

Dominican Republic.- 96% of children and youngsters in DominicanRepublic’s east region are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, as evidencedby three studies in 10 communities, disclosed by Plan International Wednesday, EFEreports.

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), in allits forms, is a violation of fundamental rights and a modern form of slavery.

The Plan International panel "Challenges PreventSexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in the Dominican Republic"released the results of the study conducted in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo provice,and Guayacanes, Quisqueya, San Pedro province, and San Rafael del Yuma, Higuey,Veron, Punta Cana, Boca de Yuma, Macao and El Salado, Altagracia province.

"Lack of education, physical, psychological or sexualabuse, domestic violence, dysfunctional families, teenage pregnancies and lackof economic and social opportunities" where the most common causes ofCSEC.

“Exposure to these abuses occur in less serious physical,social and psychological impact on their lives," said Plan representative RaquelCasares.

"Most of adolescents and young people interviewed inone study live in towns and neighborhoods where raw poverty and lack ofopportunities are regularly associated with the presence of CSEC. These groupsare the most vulnerable and therefore require preferential treatment in thefield of prevention," Casares said.