Exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation is sexual abuse of children and young people under the age of 18. It includes exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where an individual or group receives something wanted or needed (such as gifts, money, drugs, accommodation, alcohol, status and affection) in exchange for giving or receiving sexual activities.

CSE can also occur through the use of technology without the child’s consent or immediate recognition, for example sending sexual images on a mobile phone or posting sexual images on the internet without immediate payment or gain.

The perpetrators exploiting the child usually have power over the child by virtue of their age, intellect, gender, physical strength or their economic status. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common in cases of CSE as many perpetrators target children with vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can be complex and varied but are usually economic or personal circumstances that leave a child with limited choices.

Children of any gender can be sexually exploited and may not be aware that they are being exploited, so cannot protect themselves and the sexual activity may appear consensual, at first. The child may trust the perpetrator and not understand that they are being abused. The child will initially feel they are in a positive and rewarding relationship with the perpetrator. 

Indicators

The following risk factors might increase the likelihood of a young person being sexually exploited:

• Going missing for periods of time, regularly returning home late or staying out overnight
• Regularly missing school or not taking part in education.
• Appearing with unexplained gifts, money or possessions.
• Associating with other young people involved in exploitation.
• Being in a controlling relationship or having an older boyfriend or girlfriend
• Having a new group of friends
• Suffering from sexually transmitted infections.
• Uncharacteristic and significant mood swings or changes in emotional wellbeing.
• Drug and alcohol misuse.
• Spending time in CSE hotspots.
• Being secretive.
• Changes in behaviour.
• Self-harming.
• Suspected pregnancies.
• Displaying unhealthy or inappropriate sexualised behaviour or language.
• Use of mobile phone and internet that causes concern.
• Involved with or linked to gang activity.
• Being frightened of certain people, places or situations.
• Physical signs of abuse, such as bruising or bleeding in the genital or anal area
• Involved in a gang
• Involve in criminal activities such as shoplifting or selling drugs

Resources and further information

CSE can involve elements of grooming. For some common grooming models see the PACE website.

The Children's Society

NSPCC

What is child sexual exploitation

Barnados