Because sexual exploitation of minors takes place in illegal settings, the number of minors suffering exploitation is difficult, if not impossible, to assess. It is estimated by the UN that worldwide there are around one million children victim of prostitution practices, are used in pornographic images or are trafficked for sexual purposes. It concerns especially young girls, but also boys are involved. For male victims there is a double taboo: prostitution and homo sexuality. Boy prostitutes have generally homosexual customers. This does not mean that the prostitute himself is homo sexual. The majority of the victims of sexual exploitation are between thirteen and eighteen years old.

Children who come from or grow up in a situation of economic and social poverty, have the biggest chance to come in a situation of sexual exploitation. Many times poverty gives social problems within a family. Alcohol consumption, separation of the parents, drug use and domestic violence can be a consequence of these problems. Because of these problems at home, children quit school, walk away from home and live on the street.