Guidance
Types of Harm in Child Criminal Exploitation
Physical Harm
- Exposure to serious violence, injuries, physical abuse or intimidation, including family members.
- Risk of harm from carrying out dangerous tasks (e.g., transporting drugs or weapons).
- Poor physical health due to neglect or unsafe living conditions.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
- Emotional abuse, including manipulation, threats, and isolation.
- Long-term trauma, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of trust in adults and services who do not recognise the child or young person as a victim, leading to withdrawal or aggression.
Sexual Harm
- Coercion into sexual activity, often under threat or manipulation.
- Use of sex as a form of control, payment, or initiation within exploitative networks.
Neglect
- Lack of access to basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
- Being left in unsafe environments without appropriate adult supervision or support.
Substance Abuse
- Being forced or encouraged to use drugs or alcohol to increase vulnerability.
- Development of dependency, which strengthens the perpetrator’s control.
Social Harm
- Stigmatisation or criminalisation
- Disconnection from family, school, and positive peer relationships.
- Association with gangs or criminal groups that reinforce harmful behaviours.
Developmental Harm
- Disruption to education, leading to poor academic outcomes.
- Limited opportunities for healthy social and emotional development.
- Impact on future employment, relationships, and independence