Child Sexual Exploitation
What is it?
Child sexual Exploitation (often shortened to CSE) is taking advantage of children for sexual purposes.
One form of CSE is ‘grooming’. It is different from other forms of sexual abuse because the abuser develops a relationship with their victim so that they are unaware that they are being abused. This pretend show of feelings and affection is what allows the abuser(s) to commit their crime. They try to create a situation in which the child owes them. This could be for expensive gifts they have given or favours they have done for them.
16 and 17 year olds can be affected even though they are legally old enough to consent to sex. If they have been tricked into doing so by someone seeking to abuse them a crime has been committed. It is also a crime for someone to arrange to meet a child to have sex with them even if the act doesn’t take place.
There are a number of ways in which an individual or group may try to exploit a child for sexual purposes:
• By getting them drunk or high at a party
• By pretending to be their boyfriend/ girlfriend
• As part of a gang
• Online
Why are children/young adults vulnerable
Children and young people often do not realise that they are being taken advantage of. When they are being groomed they see the relationship that they are in as a healthy relationship. If someone shows a child affection and showers them with gifts they are unlikely to want to look for the potential negatives in this.
For those who are abused by individuals that they are not in a relationship with the shame of what has happened to them prevents them from speaking out. Children can be abused by other children as well as those who are older than themselves.
The majority of victims are girls aged 13-15yrs old but that doesn’t mean that boys cannot be affected, or those that are older or younger.
Why is it difficult for parents to deal with?
Abusers trick their victims in order to abuse them. They convince them that parents, the police and social services are the enemy and only by staying with them can they be safe. By doing this they are able to continue with the abuse and play children off against their parents. This means that all young people are potentially vulnerable and no child should be overlooked, regardless of their background.
What to look out for
If you know some of the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation you are much better placed to do something about it. The following could be signs a child is being abused:
• Significant changes in behavior
• Being in a relationship with someone much older than themselves
• Going missing from home or school
• Having expensive items that you haven’t bought for your child
• Unusual behavior that is very secretive (more than normal for a teenager)
• Unusual phone calls or social media messages
What to do if you feel a child/young adult is in danger
The first thing you should do is speak to your child or get someone your child trusts to speak to them. Your immediate priority should be their safety and well-being. Though your child may have been convinced that you, the police and social services are against them you may still need their help to protect them. If CSE has taken place it should be reported to the police because it is a criminal offence and abusers should be punished for their crimes.
Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (PACE) is a charity that supports children and parents affected by CSE. They offer a confidential help and advice line; you can call Pace on 0113 240 5226.
Andrew Gregory
Director of Research and Training at Victvs Ltd.
www.victvs.co.uk