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 of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) 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.

Violence, coercion and intimidation are common. Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child’s or young person’s limited availability of choice, as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability.

A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation.

Officers should be aware of the perception that a young person is troublesome, rather than troubled, can affect their credibility and influence whether that individual seeks help. It can also make them fiercely resistant to offers of support. 

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

If a child reports, following a conversation you have initiated or otherwise, that they are being abused and neglected you should:

  • Ensure the victim’s safety, understanding any risk posed by the perpetrator to the victim or other people
  • Identify any immediate medical needs
  • Listen to them
  • Take their allegation seriously
  • Reassure them that you will take action to keep them safe.
  • At all times, you should explain to the child the action that you are taking.
  • It is important to maintain confidentiality, but you should not promise that you won’t tell anyone, as you may need to do so in order to protect the child.

You will need to decide the most appropriate action to take, depending on the circumstances of the case, the seriousness of the child’s allegation and the local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements in place. You should always adhere to the specific guidance from your particular police force.

Spotting the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation

Officers should familiarise themselves with the most common warning signs of CSE and recognise that a victim does not have to exhibit all of the warning signs to be a victim of sexual exploitation. Concerns should be heightened if the number of warning signs increases.

  • Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
  • Skipping school or being disruptive in class
  • Appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for
  • Experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection
  • Having mood swings and changes in temperament
  • Using drugs and/or alcohol
  • Displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting")
  • They may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns

Assist

Child Sexual Exploitation is not a specific criminal offence. It encompasses a range of different forms of serious criminal conduct and a number of individual offences.

In assessing whether a child or young person is a victim, or at risk of becoming a victim, of sexual exploitation, careful consideration should be given to the following:

  • a child under the age of 13 is not legally capable of consenting to sex (it is statutory rape) or any other type of sexual touching
  • sexual activity with a child under 16 is an offence
  • it is an offence for a person to have a sexual relationship with a 16 or 17-year-old if they hold a position of trust or authority in relation to them
  • where sexual activity with a 16 or 17-year-old does not result in an offence being committed, it may still result in harm or the likelihood of harm being suffered
  • non-consensual sex is rape, whatever the age of the victim
  • if the victim is incapacitated through drink or drugs, or the victim, or his or her family, has been subjected to violence or the threat of it, they cannot be considered to have given true consent and, therefore, offences may have been committed
  • CSE is an issue for all children under the age of 18 years and not limited to those in a specific age group.

CSE investigations require a proactive approach to explore the nature and patterns of sexual exploitation locally, and to share information with partner agencies about those at risk and potential offenders.

Act

Childline - Free and confidential 24hr helpline for children

Tel: 0800 1111

 

NSPCC - Trained professionals who can provide expert advice and support when there is concern about the welfare of a child

Tel: 0808 800 5000 Weekday 10.00am-4.00pm 

 

Barnardo’s – Cut them free campaign. A campaign targeted at tackling CSE.

Tel: 01332 585371

 

Safeline- National Helpline for Male Survivors

Safeline provides specialist, tailored support for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse and rape, that empowers them to make choices about the lives they want and helps prevent abuse. They provide support to anyone but also offer a dedicated phone service for male survivors of sexual violence. 

Telephone: 01926 402 498 (Safeline) or 0808 800 5005 (National Male Survivor Helpline)

Website: Home - Safeline - Believe in you - Surviving sexual abuse & rape

 

CEOP - A law enforcement agency providing support and advice for children, adults or teachers about keeping children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. Submit a report online https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/

 

Crimestoppers - An independent crime-fighting charity in the UK allows people to call or pass on  information about crime anonymously.

Tel: 0800 555 111

Local Support and Contact Details