Child sexual exploitation
Child sexual exploitation involves situations, contexts or relationships in which a person under 18 is given something, such as food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts or money in return for performing sexual activities or having sexual activities performed on them. It can also involve violence, coercion and intimidation, with threats of physical harm or humiliation.
Our video shows the ways children can be exploited by adults.
Common patterns
In all cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE), the person exploiting the child or young person is able to create the impression of authority over them in some form. This could be because of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength or economic situation.
Sexual exploitation of children can start through the use of technology, without them immediately realising. For example, they might be persuaded to post images on the internet or via mobile phone without immediate payment or personal gain.
Violence, coercion and intimidation are common, with a particular vulnerability of the child or young person being used against them. This can make the young person feel as though they have no choice but to continue the relationship.
Warning signs
Signs of a child or young person being in an exploitative relationship can vary. Some examples are:
- going missing from home or care
- physical injuries
- misuse of drugs or alcohol
- involvement in offending
- repeat sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancies or terminations
- absenteeism from school
- deterioration in physical appearance
- evidence of online sexual bullying
- evidence of vulnerability on social networking sites
- emotional distance from family members
- receiving gifts from unknown sources
- recruiting others into exploitative situations
- poor mental health
- self-harming
- thinking about or attempting suicide
If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual exploitation, or think someone you know has been a victim, or may be soon, visit our How to report possible child abuse page or call our non-emergency number, 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.
If someone is in immediate danger of harm, please call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
What we are doing about child sexual exploitation?
We have a special team called Halo that deals with child sexual exploitation. It proactively targets and disrupts those who are sexually exploiting young people and works closely with intelligence teams to safeguard those who are most at risk. It makes sure that Hertfordshire officers and external partners are aware of current risks and trends.
Halo also gives training and guidance to those working in sectors such as education, sports, leisure, hospitality and the night-time economy to make sure they can spot the signs of child sexual abuse and exploitation and report it.
Call 101 and ask for Halo’s child sexual exploitation coordinator if you want to discuss how we can help you with child sexual exploitation awareness or guidance.
Useful links
Barnardo's
A national charity helping children in poverty, supporting young carers and helping families looking to foster or adopt.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) Education
National Crime Agency advice for parents, children and young people on staying safe from sexual abuse and online grooming.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
A national children's charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover.
Parents Against Child Exploitation (PACE)
The leading national charity working with parents and carers of sexually exploited children.
ECPAT UK
A UK organisation campaigning against child trafficking and exploitation.
Fearless
A service that allows you to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously.
Enough Campaign
A national campaign to tackle violence against women and girls.
Local links
Herts SARC
Offers free support and practical help to anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.
Herts Sunflower
Support for children and young people.