What is Child Sexual Exploitation?
Child Sexual Exploitation or CSE is the coercion or manipulation of children and young people into taking part in sexual activities. It is a form of sexual abuse involving an exchange of some form of payment which can include money, mobile phones and other items, drugs, alcohol, a place to stay, ‘protection’ or affection. The vulnerability of the young person and grooming process employed by perpetrators renders them powerless to recognise the exploitative nature of relationships and unable to give informed consent.
All Wales Protocol, Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children who are at Risk of Abuse through Sexual exploitation.
What to look out for:
- A young person staying out late
- Unknown older young people / adults coming to the house
- Concerning mobile phone / internet use
- Expressions of despair (self-harm, overdose, challenging behaviour, eating disorder, aggression)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections / pregnancy / termination
- Drug / alcohol misuse
- Unsuitable / inappropriate accommodation
- A young person being isolated from their peers
- Lack of a positive relationship with a protective adult
- Exclusion / not engaging in education, training or work
- Living independently and not responding to attempts at contact
Significant risk indicators:
- Going missing overnight or longer
- Older ‘boyfriend’/’girlfriend’/relationship with controlling adult
- Physical / emotional abuse by that person
- Getting into / out of vehicles driven by unknown adults
- Unexplained money, clothes or other items
- Visiting areas known for exploitation
- Physical injury without a plausible explanation
- Disclosure of physical / sexual assault
- Peers involved in CSE or ‘clipping’
What to do if you have concerns:
Note any details of people of concern, car registrations, and patterns. Contact the Police and Social Services.
For further reading, information and advice go to:
North Wales Police:
https://www.north-wales.police.uk/advice-and-support/stay-safe
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre:
http://www.ceop.police.uk
NSPCC:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/child-sexual-exploitation/
This post is also available in: Welsh
