There is continuous research that reaffirms that boys are an underserved population and often fall through the cracks of child protection systems because of biases against their victimization.

There exists a prevailing ideology that refuses to acknowledge that boys can be and are victims of sexual exploitation. As an underserved population, they often do not seek out or receive support due to stigmas surrounding boys’ masculinity. 

Ground-breaking research into the online sexual exploitation of children has brought to light the urgent need to better understand and measure the problem says INTERPOL and a campaign group.

A report from a new study, released by INTERPOL and ECPAT International today, suggests that when online images or videos of child sexual abuse depict boys or very young children, the abuse is more likely to be severe.