How child criminal exploitation effects children and young people

The effects of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) often extends far beyond the period of active abuse, shaping a child or young person's life well into adulthood, or beyond. Perpetrators deliberately use coercion to create obstacles that prevent access to support services, for example, making threats towards family members, making the child or young person feel that the only place they are truly safe is with the person exploiting them. In these situations, abuse becomes a powerful tool of control, used strategically to isolate and manipulate the child or young person, reinforcing dependency and fear. Sometimes the child or young person, because they may have been coerced into committing crimes or are associated with a gang or group, are not considered victims by adults and practitioners, despite the harm they have experienced.