Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance or power to coerce, manipulate, or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity:

• in exchange for something the victim needs or wants; and/or

• for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.

The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

The following signs and indicators of child sexual abuse come from the NSPCC website:

Sexual exploitation can be very difficult to identify. Warning signs can easily be mistaken for 'normal' teenage behaviour.

Young people who are being sexually exploited may:

• Go missing from home, care, or education;

• Frequently stay out late or overnight with no explanation of where they've been;

• Be involved in abusive relationships, intimidated, and fearful of certain people or situations;

• Hang out with groups of older people, or antisocial groups, or with other vulnerable peers;

• Associate with other young people involved in sexual exploitation;

• Get involved in gangs, gang fights, and gang membership;

• Go to places that they cannot afford or acquire expensive gifts (e.g. jewellery, drugs, mobile phones);

• Have older boyfriends or girlfriends;

• Spend time at places of concern, such as hotels or known brothels;

• Not know where they are, because they have been moved around the country;

• Be involved in petty crime such as shoplifting;

• Have unexplained physical injuries (bruises or marks on the body);

• Have a changed physical appearance, for example, lost weight;

• Be involved in inappropriate sexual behaviour, including sexting or dressing in inappropriate clothing;

• Have a change in behaviour and/or mood (e.g. secretive, defensive, or aggressive).

The young person may also show signs of sexual abuse or grooming.

Sutton LSCP, Multi-Agency Protocol for Safeguarding Adolescents

NSPCC, Child sexual exploitation

Barnardo's, Child sexual exploitation

The Children's Society, Victim Support, NPCC, Appropriate language: child sexual and/or criminal exploitation guidance for professionals

Catch 22, Child sexual exploitation: think boys

Catch 22, Positive relationships break the CSE cycle

Catch 22, Different Dangers, Same Signs

Youtube video, Know The Signs - Emma's Story - A Victim's Perspective of Child Sexual Exploitation