Child Sexual Exploitation Advice

CSE is a form of child sexual abuse. It can happen to children and teenagers, male and female, and from any background. It happens when the child or young person is exploited, coerced or manipulated into engaging in sexual activity in return for something they need or desire and/or for the gain of a third person.

The ‘something’ received by the child or young person could be practical things such as food, somewhere to stay, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, money or emotional things such as affection, protection, or a sense of belonging. Fear of what might happen to them or to their family if they do not comply can also be a significant reason why they feel they cannot say 'no'.

The abuse can take the form of penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or other acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside the clothing. It can also include non-contact activities such as involving children in the production of sexual images, forcing children to look at sexual images or watch sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet).

These are the common signs that your child might have a problem

• Changes in behaviour, possibly becoming more sexual in the way they talk, dress or behave.
• Serious mood swings (more than usual teenage mood swings), depression, low self-esteem, possible attempts to self-harm.
• They may not be socialising with their usual friends and being secretive about their new friends. Some of their friends may be older than them or even adults.
• Going missing from school or home, or staying out all night and being secretive or defensive about where they have been. They may return dishevelled or distraught or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Receiving odd calls and messages on their mobiles or social media pages from unknown people, possibly much older.
• They may be in possession of new, expensive items which they couldn’t possibly afford, such as mobile phones, iPads, jewellery etc.
• They may physically look tired or unwell and sleep at unusual hours of the day, or they may have marks or scars on their body which they try to conceal from you.

Early concerns

If you are beginning to worry

• Be approachable and supportive; let them know they can talk to you about anything; this includes things they may be ashamed of, or fears they may have about risk to themselves or others.
• Act early on concerns you have about any of the signs above, talk to them or help them talk to other adults or professionals.
• Be interested in their lives and their interests; get to know their friends. 
• Find out about the possible risks and the resources available to help you talk with your child or teen about how to make safe choices.

Dealing with Problems

If you are seriously concerned for your child or teen

• Keep talking to them, help them to feel that they have someone who really cares about them and will support them in dealing with the problem.
• Make contact with organisations that can support you as a parent and your child or teen eg. Barnardo's, NSPCC, Nexus.
• If you feel your child or teen is in immediate danger then contact the Police on 999 or your local Police on 101.