A child is legally defined as someone below the age of 18.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) represents a form of sexual abuse. When a child or young person is exploited, they are enticed with items such as presents, drugs, money, social status, and affection in exchange for engaging in sexual activities.
Children and young people are frequently deceived into believing that they are engaged in a loving and consensual relationship. This manipulative process is known as grooming. They may bestow their trust upon the abuser and fail to comprehend that they are being subjected to abuse.
Some children don’t know they’re being abused. They think they’re in a normal relationship
Children and young people can be trafficked into or within the United Kingdom for the purpose of sexual exploitation. They are transported across the country and coerced into participating in sexual activities, often involving multiple individuals. Young people associated with gangs are also vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
Occasionally, abusers resort to violence and intimidation to frighten or coerce a child or young person, leaving them with a sense of having no choice. They may provide them with substantial sums of money that they know cannot be repaid or employ financial abuse to exert control over them.
Regardless of age, gender, or race, anyone can be a perpetrator of CSE. The relationship may be depicted as a friendship, someone to admire, or a romantic association.
Children and young people who are exploited may also be employed to "recruit" or coerce others into joining these groups.
Warning signs
Signs of a child or young person being in an exploitative relationship can vary. Some examples are:
going missing from home or care
physical injuries
misuse of drugs or alcohol
involvement in offending
repeat sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancies or terminations
absenteeism from school
deterioration in physical appearance
evidence of online sexual bullying
evidence of vulnerability on social networking sites
emotional distance from family members
receiving gifts from unknown sources
recruiting others into exploitative situations
poor mental health
self-harming
thinking about or attempting suicide
If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual exploitation, or think someone you know has been a victim, or may be soon, visit How to report possible child abuse page or call the non-emergency police number, 101.
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