Invisible victims: Commercial sexual exploitation of a boy

Abstract

Background and Aims: Child sexual exploitation (CSE), particularly in its commercial forms (CSEC), constitutes a severe developmental and interpersonal trauma with long-term psychological and relational consequences. Contemporary research conceptualises exploitation as a relational process shaped by attachment disruption, coercive control, and social vulnerability. Despite strengthened institutional responses, exploitation remains largely hidden, with boys still under-recognised in research and professional practice. This study examines the psychological dynamics and institutional visibility of CSEC in Hungary, positioning exploitation as a developmental and relational process shaped by both individual vulnerability and institutional recognition. It aims to support a trauma-informed applied psychology understanding, and to improve professional recognition and intervention.
Methods: The study adopts a mixed-method design combining international epidemiological estimates, official Hungarian crime statistics, and qualitative clinical case analysis. The case vignette was based on clinical assessment, psycho-diagnostic evaluation, and an institutional document review within developmental trauma and attachment-based frameworks.
Results: Comparison of epidemiological estimates and official statistics revealed a clear gap between the expected prevalence and the cases registered, indicating substantial latent victimisation. Male victimisation appeared consistently but remained less visible, likely due to stigma and gender-related barriers to disclosure. The clinical case illustrates how cumulative developmental adversity and repeated exploitation may lead to severe psychiatric decompensation, while also demonstrating recovery potential through trauma-informed multidisciplinary intervention.
Discussion: CSE should be understood as a developmental and relational trauma process rather than a single event. Effective prevention and intervention require trauma-informed practice, improved institutional recognition, interdisciplinary cooperation, and stigma reduction to facilitate early identification and long-term recovery, particularly among male victims, who often remain hidden.