Child Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse, in which a young person is manipulated or forced into taking part in a sexual act. This could be as part of what seems to be a consensual relationship, or it could be in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or somewhere to stay. 

The young person may think that their abuser is their friend, boyfriend or girlfriend, but the abuser will put them into dangerous situations, forcing the child or young person to do things that they don't want to do. The abuser could threaten them or be violent towards them.

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Spotting the signs

The signs can be very difficult to identify, young people who are being sexually exploited may:

• be involved in abusive relationships, intimidated and fearful of certain people or situations
• hang out with groups of older people, or anti-social groups, or with other vulnerable peers
• associate with other young people involved in sexual exploitation
• get involved in gangs, gang fights, gang membership
• have older boyfriends or girlfriends
• spend time at places of concern, such as hotels or known brothels
• does not know where they are, because they have been moved around the country
• go missing from home, care or education.

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What is 'grooming'?

The process is known as 'grooming' is designed to isolate the child, break down the relationship with parents, carers and friends and so make the child easier to manipulate.

Signs of 'grooming' can be hard to spot. Children may:

• be very secretive, including about what they are doing online
• have money, cigarettes and new things such as clothes or mobile phones that they can't or won't explain
• go to unusual places to meet friends
• have access to drugs and alcohol.

In older children, signs of grooming can easily be mistaken for 'normal' teenage behaviour, but you may notice unexplained changes in behaviour or personality or inappropriate sexual behaviour for their age.

Further information can be found in the Child Sexual Exploitation section of The Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership website and a section on Barnardo’s website for parents and carers.

Norfolk Safeguarding Children PartnershipBarnardo's

Further help can be found at the following:

Call or text 116 000 - young people's CSE helpline

This is a new national helpline for young people to call or text if they have concerns for themselves or a friend about child sexual exploitation: 116 000. It's free, anonymous and open 24 hours, 365 days per year