What is Child Sexual Exploitation?
Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse.
Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse in which a person of any age takes advantage of a power imbalance to force or entice a child into engaging in sexual activity in return for something received by the child.
As with other forms of child sexual abuse, the presence of perceived consent does not change the abusive nature of the act.
Any child or young person, regardless of gender, ethnicity, family background or sexual orientation, may experience this kind of exploitation.
When a child or young person is exploited they might be given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, with the expectation that they will engage in sexual activities
‘Only girls are at risk.’ ‘All offenders are old men.’ ‘It happens over a long period.’ are some of the myths surrounding child sexual exploitation.
It is important to separate facts from fiction when it comes to child sexual exploitation, but there are children who may be deemed more at risk due to circumstances i.e
| - Homelessness, poor health and wellbeing |
| - Going missing from home or care environment |
| - Disrupted family life, including family breakdown, domestic violence and problematic parenting |
| - A history of abuse, neglect, and/or disadvantage, being looked after |
| - Disengagement from education and isolation from other support |
| - Drug and alcohol misuse |
| - Social isolation, bullying or low self esteem |
The signs of Child Sexual Exploitation
The following are possible indicators of child sexual exploitation - the list is not exhaustive but might help with spotting the signs:
| Children under 13 years asking for sexual health advice |
| Unexplained amounts of money, expensive clothing and other items |
| Relationships with controlling adults |
| Isolation from peers and social networks |
| Peers involved in sexual exploitation |
| Disclosure of assault followed by withdrawal of a reported incident |
| Multiple callers (unknown adults/older young people) |
| Staying out late or episodes of being missing overnight or longer |
| Evidence or suspicion of physical or sexual assault |
| Unplanned pregnancy and/or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) |
| Drugs/alcohol misuse |
| Entering leaving vehicles/driven by unknown adults |
| Exclusion or unexplained absences from school or college |
| Concerning use of the internet/mobile phone |
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For more information on spotting the signs visit Child Sexual Exploitation on ParentClub. |
What is Child Trafficking?
Child Trafficking is the movement of children for the purpose of exploitation.
The trafficking of children is a growing concern in Scotland, and cases of child trafficking have been identified in neighbouring authorities.
Children and young people can be trafficked into or within the UK to be sexually exploited.
They can be moved around the country and abused by being forced to take part in sexual activities, often with more than one person.
Young people in gangs can also be sexually exploited in this way.
Further information
The Scottish Government has a Child Trafficking Strategy Group and information about this work can be found at the Scottish Government website.
Further information and advice can be found at
ECPAT UK (every child protected against trafficking)
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is when a child or young person is forced or tricked into sexual activities.
What is Grooming?
How people who want to sexually harm children and young people get close to them, and often their families, and gain their trust.
What is Harmful Sexual Behaviour?
When it comes to children & young people, what is normal sexual behaviour and what could be regarded as harmful?
Child Sexual Abuse - Dispelling the myths
There are lots of myths in the area of child sexual abuse. Let's dispel some of these and learn the truth.
Did you know?
In the UK almost 560 children were trafficked for Sexual Exploitation in 2017
Source - National Crime Agency (2018)
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