Decriminalization of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: A Feminist Policy Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this policy analysis is to critically analyze the impact that California Senate Bill (SB) 1322 has on girls and young women whom are disproportionately impacted by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Methods: A feminist policy analysis framework is utilized to view SB 1322 through a gendered lens and analyze the overall effect the policy has upon girls and young women. Results: The results reveal that CSE girls and young women would be both positively impacted (due to reduced stigma, increase in access to support, and increase in legal response to adult exploiters) and negatively impacted (due to underlying factors not being addressed, negative influence of criminal justice and child welfare systems, and gender-neutral language of policy) by SB 1322. Discussion: Senate Bill 1322 is a necessary starting point in assisting victims of CSE. However, reliable data is needed to better evaluate the policy's impact on girls and young women involved in CSE