Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse. When a child or young person is exploited they're given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for performing sexual activities. Children and young people are often tricked into believing they're in a loving and consensual relationship. This is called grooming. They may trust their abuser and not understand that they're being abused.
CSE can happen in person or online. An abuser will gain a child's trust or control them through violence or blackmail before moving onto sexually abusing them. This can happen in a short period of time.
When a child is sexually exploited online they might be persuaded or forced to:
- send or post sexually explicit images of themselves
- film or stream sexual activities
- have sexual conversations.
- Sexual exploitation can be difficult to spot and sometimes mistaken for "normal" teenage behaviour. Knowing the signs can help protect children and help them when they've no one else to turn to. Signs of sexual abuse and grooming:
- Unhealthy or inappropriate sexual behaviour.
- Being frightened of some people, places or situations.
- Bring secretive.
- Sharp changes in mood or character.
- Having money or things they can't or won't explain.
- Physical signs of abuse, like bruises or bleeding in their genital or anal area.
- Alcohol or drug misuse.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Pregnancy.
To report sexual exploitation:
- call 999 if the child is at immediate risk or call 101 if you think a crime has been committed
- call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
- If you have concerns about a child being exploited online you can report this to CEOP (see our Online Safety page)
Child Criminal Exploitation
Criminal Exploitation is when individuals or gangs target children and force them to carry out criminal activity.
County Lines
County Lines is a term used for organised illegal drug-dealing networks, children may be recruited as runners to transport drugs and cash all over the country, so that the criminals behind it can remain detached and less likely to be detected.
There are several signs to look out for when someone has been lured into this activity; these include:
- Change in behaviour
- Signs of assault and/or malnutrition
- Access to numerous phones
- Use of unusual terms e.g. going country
- Associating with gangs
- Unexplained bus or train tickets
- School truancy or going missing
- Unexplained gifts (clothes, trainers) and cash
Cuckooing
Criminals running County Lines will set up a base in a rural area or small town for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person, ‘cuckooing’ them.
Signs that cuckooing may be going on at a property include:
- An increase in people entering and leaving
- An increase in cars or bikes outside
- Possible increase in anti-social behaviour
- Increasing litter outside
- Signs of drugs use
- Lack of healthcare visitors
- Suspicious vehicles or people at an address?
- A neighbour has not been seen for a while? Or they are more distance than usual (with more visitors)
- Short term or holiday lets – unusual activity
- Older member of the community unexpectedly driving around unknown individuals
To report criminal exploitation:
- Concerns about county lines activity and cuckooing can be reported anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111
- You can contact the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000
- You can also report your concerns to the police using their non-emergency number.
- If you feel that someone is in immediate danger then call the police on 999.
Support for Children, Young People and Families
If you're worried, even if you're unsure, you can contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of their counsellors on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
- Gangsline for free advice and support from ex-gang members
- https://www.gangsline.com/
- Victim Support if you've experienced crime
- https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help
- NSPCC for more information and support
- https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation
- CrimeStoppers for more information and support
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/community-family/county-lines
For parents and carers
Finding out your child has been sexually exploited can be frightening and distressing. But there's help for you and your family:
- PACE works with parents and carers of children who are, or at risk of, being sexually exploited. You can call them for confidential help and advice on 0113 240 5226 or fill in their online form at https://paceuk.info/
- Barnardo's can support parents through their services across the UK https://www.barnardos.org.uk/