Sexual exploitation of minors in prostitution occurs whenever a minor is involved in sexual acts in exchange for something of value, such as money, gifts, or accommodation. Belgian law considers that minors cannot consent to such acts, which are always treated as exploitation. In certain situations, these acts also fall under human trafficking when they are used to gain advantage from the victim.

The scale and complexity of these cases are increasing. In 2025, Child Focus opened 151 new cases of sexual exploitation for prostitution, a 60% rise compared with 2024, while Payoke received a record 155 reports of potential human trafficking victims. Victims are sometimes coerced into recruiting others, and methods of control are becoming more violent, including psychological pressure, humiliation, and substance dependency. Social media plays a role in both recruiting victims and maintaining pressure through sextortion. Many minors have multiple vulnerabilities, such as prior institutional placements, and experience repeated trauma and isolation. First-line and specialised services are overstretched, making coordinated and continuous support difficult and highlighting the urgent need for improved collaboration.

The new protocol seeks to address these challenges by improving coordination, streamlining referrals, and providing faster, more stable, and protective responses for minors. By establishing fixed contact points, rapid coordination for urgent cases, and tailored referrals, Child Focus and Payoke aim to ensure that victims receive appropriate assistance without having to recount their experiences multiple times, strengthening the overall response to sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors in Belgium.

For further details, please read this press release (in French).