Definition of Child Sexual Exploitation
Child sexual exploitation 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. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.(DfE 2017).
Children and young people who become involved face risks to their physical, emotional and psychological health and well being. Any young person could become a victim of child sexual exploitation; the crime affects both girls and boys, from any background and of any ethnicity. It is the organised and deliberate exploitation of a child purely for the sexual gratification of adults.
Watch Jay’s Story Here
Check out the 10 minute film below produced by the Southend LSCB designed to make children and young people aware of the dangers of online grooming, sexual exploitation and sexting.
It features an adolescent boy talking to someone on social media who he believes to be a young girls, but is really a 47 year old man who encourages him to send explicit photos to him. This is based on a true case.
There are three main types of CSE:
Inappropriate relationships – this usually involves one perpetrator who has inappropriate power or control over a young person. There is often a significant age gap and the victim may believe they are in a loving relationship.
‘Boyfriend’ model – the perpetrator befriends and grooms the young person into a ‘relationship’ and then convinces or forces them to have sex with friends or associates. This is sometimes associated with gang activity. Peer exploitation is where young people are forced or coerced into sexual activity by peers and associates. Sometimes this can be associated with gang activity, but not always.
Organised sexual exploitation – young people are passed through networks, possibly over geographical distances, where they are forced into sexual activity with multiple men. This often occurs at ‘sex parties’ and the young people may be used to recruit others into the network. Some of this activity is described as serious organised crime and can involve the organised ‘buying and selling’ of young people by perpetrators.
Raise awareness by downloading and displaying our Child Sexual Exploitation Poster [1]
What to do if you are worried about Child Exploitation:
Report anything you see as suspicious as intelligence to
Dorset Police: https://www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/ [2] or 101
Or anonymously through Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ [3] or 0800 555 111
As a parent or member of the public – if you have concerns regarding a young person’s welfare:
Call Police on 999 if in immediate danger
MASH BCP area: 01202 123334 (9am- 5pm Monday to Friday; 01202 738256 after 5pm and weekends)
Dorset Family Support and Advice Line via 01305 228558 or email familysupportandadviceline@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk [4]