Sharp rise in reports of sexual exploitation of minors
Belgian NGO Child Focus opened 60 per cent more case files last year relating to the sexual exploitation of minors in prostitution. To strengthen the identification and support of victims, the organisation will now work more closely with Payoke, one of three centres officially recognised by the Belgian government to assist victims of human trafficking. The two organisations signed a cooperation protocol, they announced in a press release on Thursday.
Record numbers in 2025
In total, Child Focus opened 151 new files in 2025 concerning the sexual exploitation of minors in prostitution. That represents a 60 per cent increase compared with 2024. Most of the victims were under the age of 16.
Payoke also recorded a sharp rise in reports. Last year, the organisation received 155 notifications relating to potential victims of human trafficking, including sexual exploitation. It was the highest number of reports in its history. Among the potential victims were children as young as 12.
Although the figures from Child Focus and Payoke relate to different types of registration and target groups, the organisations say they together reflect a clear rise in both the scale and complexity of sexual exploitation and human trafficking involving minors in Belgium.
Closer cooperation
In response, the two organisations have decided to formalise their collaboration. The aim is to improve the detection, support and protection of minor victims.
The agreement includes fixed points of contact, rapid coordination in urgent cases and clearer referral pathways. The intention is to ensure that young victims are directed more quickly to appropriate assistance and do not have to repeat their story multiple times.
"Sexual exploitation of minors transcends institutional boundaries"
"Together with Payoke, we want to sound the alarm: there is an urgent need for a joint, coordinated, and ambitious approach to this horrific phenomenon, involving all sectors: youth care, justice, health care, police, education and the social sector," says Nel Broothaerts, general director of Child Focus. "Sexual exploitation of minors transcends institutional boundaries and therefore requires cross-sectoral, stable and sustainable responses. This is urgent, as we see the phenomenon becoming increasingly widespread and violent."
"By coordinating more quickly with Child Focus and providing targeted support to teams, we can protect victims more quickly and provide more stable support. This makes a tangible difference on the ground," adds Inge Saris, director of Payoke.
Both organisations state that a broader structural response will be needed to address what they describe as a growing and increasingly violent problem.
© PHOTO JORIS GENNIP
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