Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is to a great extent a hidden problem. Children, both girls and boys, are groomed and forced, pressured or tricked into engaging in sexual activities or the taking of sexual images.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is an illegal activity by people who have power or influence over young people. It is a form of sexual abuse in which a young person is manipulated into taking part in sexual acts. It can happen directly face to face, as well as over the internet and via mobile phones.
The young person may not recognise what is happening because the abuser makes them think they are in a relationship and are special. CSE can also happen as a result of violence, threats or intimidation. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity or background.
Child sexual exploitation usually involves children and young people being given gifts or favours (such as food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, or money) as a result of performing or having others performing sexual activities on them.
For victims, the pain of their ordeal and fear that they will not be believed means they are too often scared to come forward.
In 2014-15, Barnardo's services worked directly with 3,200 exploited or at-risk children and young people in the UK. The true number of children who are victims of sexual exploitation is likely to be much higher.
CSE is not always easy to spot as the warning signs can often be confused with other difficulties a child may be experiencing. These are some of the main indicators of CSE (although it is not an exhaustive list):
For a few children these effects may be relatively short-term, depending on the individual child, the nature of the abuse and the help they receive. However, for many the effects can last into adulthood and cause a long list of problems, especially mental health problems and drug or alcohol misuse.
Parents should also be alert to any adults who pay an unusual amount of attention to their child, for example:
If you are worried about your child, the first thing you should do is speak to someone at the Safeguarding Hub by calling 01803 208100 or email mash@torbay.gov.uk and give as much information as you can. If you have immediate concerns about your child, please call the police on 999.
It’s important to talk to your child or young person about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships to help highlight potential risks.
The thought of a child being sexually exploited is distressing for any parent and it can have a significant impact on family life and relationships. Therefore it is important that you access support for yourself if possible. This may be through family or friends, or you may wish to access professional support, for example via Children and Young People’s Sevices or Parents Against Child Exploitation (PACE).
PACE is an organisation that specifically supports parents of children and young people who are victims of CSE.
