Child Sexual
Exploitation

What is Child Sexual Exploitation?

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) 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.

Gov.uk - Department for Education - Guide for Practitioners

As the child or young person is being exploited, they may not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and not see themselves as a victim of exploitation.

This could mean that they are unlikely to report the abuse. It is important as a professional to remember that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, we must be alert to the signs of CSE and report concerns to the authorities.

CSE does not always include physical contact, it can also occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being exploited to post images on the internet or share via mobile phones.

Spot the signs of CSE

Below are some signs that a young person who is being sexually exploited may exhibit:

• Returning home late, staying out all night or going missing for days or weeks at a time.
• Suddenly being secretive about who they are talking to or where they are going.
• Having large amounts of money on them, or having lots of new stuff such as clothes, jewellery or phones they usually wouldn’t be able to afford.
• A change in mood or behaviour.
• Using adult language and/or sexual references you would not expect that young person to know.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and/or pregnancy.
• Having injuries that cannot be explained.