Our Partnership completely understands that there are many worries that parents/carers will have about their child when there is a concern about criminal or sexual exploitation. We acknowledge that the impact of child exploitation on families and the community is devastating.
Child sexual exploitation 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. (Home Office 2017)
For further information on child sexual exploitation please visit the NSPCC website.
Torbay are proud to be working with the Barnardo's BASE project. Children who have been identified as vulnerable to or have been sexually exploited can be referred to Barnardo's by the practitioners working with them.
Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”
Criminal exploitation of children is broader than just county lines, and includes for instance children forced to work on cannabis farms or to commit theft. (Home Office 2020)
For further information on child criminal exploitation please visit The Children's Society website and the NSPCC website.
There is lots of information available for parents/carers to help them spot the signs of exploitation. Please review the websites below for further information listed in alphabetical order.
If you are worried that your child or a child you know is at immediate risk, the first thing you should do is contact the police on 999. If you have general worries about your own, or somebody else’s situation contact Torbay MASH on 01803 208100 or email mash@torbay.gov.uk and give as much information as you can.
If your child goes to school talk to their teacher about your concern. You can also talk to any other support worker or services that are involved with your child. Professionals involved with your child may want to work with you to complete a Child Exploitation Toolkit. This toolkit will explore the different areas of concerns and vulnerability indicators for your child. It is very helpful for parents/carers to have a good overview of their child's activities in the community, their friendship and peer groups and any locations that you are worried about as this will help to develop a plan to keep your child safer.
