What is child sexual exploitation?

Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. Victims are manipulated or forced into taking part in a sexual act, either as part of a seemingly consensual relationship, or in return for attention, gifts, money, alcohol, drugs or somewhere to stay.

The young person may think that the abuser is their friend, or even their boyfriend or girlfriend. But they will put them into dangerous situations, making or forcing them to do things that they don’t want to do or can’t say no to.

The abuser will create some form of dependency between the young person and them and may physically or verbally threaten the young person or be violent towards them. They will try and isolate them from friends and family so that they can control and manipulate them.

Who does it affect?

This type of abuse could happen to any child or young person up to the age of 18 from any background. It happens to boys and young men as well as girls and young women.

The victims of abuse are not at fault. Abusers are very clever in the way they manipulate and take advantage of the young people they abuse.

What are the signs?

Often the victims of sexual exploitation are not aware they are being exploited.
Signs of sexual exploitation range significantly but there are a number of tell tale signs you should look out for in your child and their friends, including:

• Having mood swings or being emotionally upset.
• Changes in physical appearance.
• Changes in eating patterns.
• Misusing alcohol or drugs.
• Chatting online to people you have never met.
• Appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions.
• Being in a relationship with or associating with an older person.
• Increased or secretive mobile phone and computer use or in possession of multiple phones.
• Showing inappropriate sexualised behaviour.
• Suffering from sexually transmitted infections.
• Associating with other young people involved in exploitation.
• Regularly missing school or not taking part in education.
• Regularly going missing for periods of time or returning home late.

What can you do?

• Discuss with your children the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships to help highlight potential risks  to them.
• Be aware of the tell tale signs.
• Exercise caution around older friends your child may have, or relationships with other young people where there appears to be a power imbalance.
• Understand the risks associated with your child being online and using social networking sites and put measures in place to minimise these risks.
• Stay alert to changes in behaviour.
• Talk about it. Talk it through with someone else you know and can trust such as a teacher, school nurse or another service your child may be involved with. You can also talk to a social worker or the police.

CSE Information for Parents and Carers leaflet download here.