Analysis of policy and legal frameworks, intervention models and intervention practices on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Chile: A discourse analysis approach.

Abstract

Commercial sexual exploitation of children is a serious violation of the Human Rights with global and local implications. CSEC requires a complex understanding and multi- agency responses. In this context, Applied Discourse Analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between policy and legal framework, intervention models and practices implemented in Chile. Government and alternative documents and a focus group composed of a mixed stakeholders group were analysed. Government documents discourses highlighted “the intervention as a part of a system and a network of services”, “the intervention recognises children as a subject of law and the specialised character of the intervention”, “guidelines, ethical principles and evidence-based approaches for the intervention”. Alternative documents discourses emphasised “the complexity of CSEC and the need to develop responses”, “the recognition of challenges in making visible CSEC and intervention problems”, “the basis for the intervention”. Mixed Stakeholders group emphasised “CSEC characteristics and the institutional responses”, “the structure of the intervention”, “tensions and challenges in the adjustments of policy and legal framework, social policies and intervention practices”. These findings allowed to identify the “CSEC recognition” as an axis that articulates policy and legal framework, models and practices, providing the basis to develop situated responses for children in CSE.