What does sexual exploitation involve?

Sexual exploitation primarily involves situations where a young person is in a dependent position, such as being under the care or authority of an adult, and that adult takes advantage of that power dynamic. In option B, touching a young person in a position of trust illustrates a clear violation of boundaries, as the adult is in a position of authority or responsibility, which can lead to manipulation or coercion. The inherent imbalance of power in such relationships makes any sexual interaction exploitative, violating the trust and safety that should be present in those dynamics.

The other options do not reflect the nuances of sexual exploitation as accurately. Touching under 16 without consent may involve other legal implications, while verbal harassment lacks the element of physical contact or exploitation tied to authority. Exchanging gifts for sexual favors suggests a transaction but does not capture the critical aspect of trust and dependency foundational to the concept of sexual exploitation.