Child exploitation cases surge in Orange County, California—victims getting younger

Reports of commercial sexual exploitation of minors have skyrocketed 700% over the past decade in Orange County, especially non-trafficking exploitation, according to a new policy brief from UC Irvine researchers. Exploitation cases are not only increasing dramatically but also affecting younger children and a broader demographic than previously thought, challenging long-held assumptions about who is at risk, says Jodi Quas, professor of psychology and co-author of the policy brief with research scientist Nan Xiao.