Child exploitation is when someone takes advantage of a child or young person for their own benefit, often by pressuring, tricking, or manipulating them into doing things they don’t want to do. It can happen online or in person, and it’s never the fault of the young person involved. If something doesn’t feel right, seems too good to be true, or makes you uncomfortable, it’s important to know that help is available and you deserve to feel safe.
Learning about exploitation can help you recognise the signs, understand your rights and know where to turn if you or someone you know needs support.
Child Criminal Exploitation
What is Child Criminal Exploitation?
Child criminal exploitation is a type of abuse. When children are exploited or ‘groomed’, they are often given things like gifts, money, drugs, respect or affection. This is usually in exchange for undertaking criminal activity.
Exploitation does not always occur in one place, children can be taken to places outside of their hometown, which is known as trafficking. Children may be moved around to different places and be forced to take part in criminal activities.
What are some signs of child criminal exploitation?
- Returning home late, or staying out all night, going missing (sometimes frequently)
- An increase in possessions (e.g. new phone(s), shoes, clothes, jewellery, money)
- Frequently visiting places away from home
- Increased drug use, or having a log of drugs in their possession
- Poor attendance in school, college or work, which is often unexplained
- Changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression
- Changes in language used (e.g. swearing, violence, sexual or drug related terms)
Child Sexual Exploitation
What is Child sexual exploitation (CSE)?
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It happens when an individual or group forces a child or young person under the age of 18 to participate in some form of sexual activity. Child Sexual Exploitation affects thousands of children and young people across the UK.
Who can exploit me?
- A group of people/individual you’ve only just got to know/who you don’t know well
- Someone you’ve spoken to online
- Someone who you feel you have a close relationship with. This could be close friends, your boyfriend/girlfriend, family members/close family friends.
How can they exploit me?
To start with, they may be nice to you and show you a lot of interest and affection and make you feel special. They may buy you presents such as clothes, a mobile phone or give you money to buy things. They might offer you cigarettes, drugs and/or alcohol, a place to chill out or involve you in activities that seem exciting or fun.
Once they have gained your trust and affection, they may change how they act around you. They may become threatening, violent and expect you to have sex with them or perform sexual acts on them.
What to do if I think I am being exploited?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for help from the Police.
You can also contact the Child Exploitation Team on 01302 737200
FaceUp2It – FACE (Fighting Against Child Exploitation) is a group of young people, make and female, who are aware of the dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation. This website was developed by them to help other young people who are vulnerable or taking risks.
It is not ok for someone to expect you or your friends to do things you don’t want to do sexually. Listen to your instinct; if it doesn’t feel right #SaySomething.
The Say Something campaign offer a free, 24-hour, anonymous phone and SMS helpline 116 000 enabling young people to disclose information and seek support, or you can email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk
