Child sexual exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation

What is Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

• CSE is a form of sexual abuse. It involves a child or young person being manipulated and exploited into sexual activity in exchange for gifts, money, alcohol, drugs, etc.
• CSE is often used by gang members to exert power and control over children and young people. However, gangs are not the only individuals exploiting young people, sexual exploitation can be perpetrated by anyone with the ability to groom a child
• The true extent of CSE is not known due to the hidden nature of the crime, however it is estimated that around 600 young people per month in the UK are safeguarded against the crime

Warning signs of Exploitation:

• A sudden increase of unexplained gifts or money, including new clothes, shoes, make up, electronic devices, etc.
• Staying out late, overnight or going missing for a period of time
• Being unusually secretive and/or defensive
• Having a new group of friends (who may be significantly older than them)
• Becoming involved in criminal activity such as shoplifting
• Being in possession of drugs and/or alcohol
• Physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy
• Having a new partner who is older than them, who they don’t want you to meet or who they are overly secretive and defensive about

What if your young person makes a disclosure that relates to not giving their consent, being a victim of exploitation or being in an unhealthy relationship?

• Stay calm and non-judgemental so that your young person feels able to speak to you open and honestly
• Speak to them then and there about what has happened and don’t put it off – the opportunity may not arise again
• Try and gather information from them about what has happened or is happening in a gentle way
• Remind them that you are here to listen to and support them
• Create a plan with them for what happens next – depending on what has happened this may be speaking to school, reporting to the police, helping them to end the relationship or reminding them that you’re here for them to speak to.
• Create a safety plan together
• There are specialist services to help your young person such as the local domestic abuse services or CSE services

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) investigate cases of grooming on the Internet and sex abuse and incidents can be reported by clicking the red button on the top right hand corner of their website https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

It is illegal in the UK for any young person under the age of 18 to take or send an indecent photograph of themselves. Similarly it is also illegal for anyone to receive an indecent image of an under 18 year old.