Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation

"I was 14 when I left home. I didn’t have much contact with my family and I didn’t really have friends because I wasn’t going to school.

"I met some people who I thought were my friends. They let me sleep on their sofa. They gave me alcohol and they gave me drugs. For a long time I didn’t think I needed anyone else. Then after a while they started asking me to ‘pay them back' for all their help. I felt a lot of pressure to do what they said. I didn’t have anyone else.

"They forced me to ‘work off my debt’ by sleeping with the men in the group. Even when I wasn’t staying with them they would send me to visit men all over the country.

"I’m 16 now. I realise that they were abusing me. More than that, I know that this happens to so many girls around the UK who are my age and younger."

Megan’s* story reflects the experience of so many children all over the UK. Every day, hundreds of girls and boys experience sexual violence. Some of the victims are killed by their abuser and those that survive are left with physical, mental and psychological scars.
*Not her real name

A large number of victims are groomed from a young age and led to believe that sexual violence is normal. When they realise what is happening to them, they fear reprisal. They do not trust the police and they are often overcome with misplaced guilt and shame.

Standing up for young people 

At Crimestoppers, we offer hope to young girls and boys who are being abused. We do not judge – we are simply here for those who need us. By combating sexual and domestic abuse, we aim to bring about safer communities for all.

How we do it

We invest in raising public awareness of the disturbing crimes happening on people’s doorsteps. Because it is often well hidden, we work to educate the public on how to identify signs of abuse.
We also educate people on the prevalence of online grooming so that they can put preventative measures in place to protect the people they care about.

How you can help

With your contribution, we can create even more awareness and encourage the wider public to take a stand against sexual violence and domestic abuse. 

Please support us in our work to help reduce and eliminate crime in the community.

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14 February 2025