Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a serious crime in the UK, involving the manipulation, coercion, or deception of a child under 18 into sexual activity for the benefit of the exploiter or others. This can occur online or offline and may involve the exchange of goods, services, affection, or threats.

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Understanding Child Sexual Exploitation:

CSE occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of a power imbalance to coerce, control, manipulate, or deceive a child into sexual activity. The child may not recognize the exploitative nature of the relationship and might believe it is consensual.

• Forms of Exploitation:

  • Online Sexual Abuse: This includes grooming, the creation and distribution of indecent images of children (IIOC), online sexual bullying, and live streaming of abuse.

  • Offline Sexual Abuse: This involves direct sexual contact, often accompanied by coercion, threats, or the provision of incentives like money, drugs, or affection.

  • Child Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation: Children can be moved within or into the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

  • Exploitation by Organised Networks/Grooming Gangs: Groups of individuals may systematically exploit multiple children.

• Grooming: A key tactic used by perpetrators to build trust and manipulate a child over time, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.

• Coercion and Control: Exploitation often involves the perpetrator exerting control over the child's life, isolating them from support networks, and using threats or violence.

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The Scale of the Problem in the UK:

• High Prevalence: It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of children experience sexual abuse each year in the UK, although many cases go unreported.

• Increasing Reporting: Police recorded over 115,000 child sexual abuse and exploitation offences in 2023, reflecting a long-term trend of increased reporting.

• Child-on-Child Abuse: A concerning trend shows that over half of reported CSAE offences involve children aged 10-17 as perpetrators against other children.

• Online Dimension: A significant proportion of CSAE has an online element, particularly concerning indecent images of children.

• Under-reporting: Despite increasing reports, it is widely acknowledged that many instances of child sexual exploitation remain hidden.

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Spotting the Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation:

It's crucial to be aware of potential indicators that a child might be a victim of CSE. These signs can include:

• Behavioural Changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, fear, aggression, secrecy, changes in sleep or eating patterns.

• Emotional Distress: Depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts.

• Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy in young girls.

• Changes in Appearance: Inappropriate clothing, decline in hygiene.

• Social Issues: Becoming isolated from friends and family, associating with older individuals or new, suspicious groups.

• Possessions: Having unexplained gifts, money, or electronic devices.

• Online Activity: Secretive use of the internet or mobile phones, new social media accounts, receiving unusual messages or gifts online.

• Sexualised Behaviour or Knowledge: Displaying sexual knowledge or behaviour inappropriate for their age.

• Missing Episodes: Running away from home or care.

• Substance Misuse: Involvement with drugs or alcohol.

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How to Report Child Sexual Exploitation in the UK:

If you are concerned about a child or young person, it is vital to report your concerns. You do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring; a suspicion is enough.

• In an Emergency: If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

• Non-Emergency Reporting:

  • Police: Call the non-emergency number 101 or report online through your local police force's website.

  • NSPCC Helpline: Call 0808 800 5000 for advice and to report concerns from 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, or email [email address removed] at any time. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

  • Childline: Children and young people can call 0800 1111 for free and confidential support.

  • Local Council Children's Social Care Team: Contact the social services department at the local council where the child lives.

  • Crimestoppers: Report information anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

  • Fearless: A service by Crimestoppers that allows young people to report crime 100% anonymously online.

  • CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command): If the exploitation is online, you can report it directly to CEOP. For UK companies, report to the local police and provide full details, without sending indecent images.

  • Report Abuse in Education Helpline (NSPCC): For concerns about abuse in educational settings, call 0800 136 663.

 

When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including names, ages, addresses, contact information, and a clear explanation of your concerns. Your information, even if you are unsure, could be crucial in protecting a child.

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It's important for everyone to be vigilant and understand the signs of child sexual exploitation. By knowing how to recognise potential abuse and how to report it, individuals and communities can play a vital role in safeguarding children and young people in the UK.