Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse that is based on an on-going exploitative relationship between A perpetrator and A child. A child or young person under the age of 18 is sexually exploited when they have received ‘something’ (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, gifts, money) in exchange for sex.

Children and young people can be sexually exploited through the use of technology - for example by being persuaded to post sexual images on the internet or via a mobile phone. Sexually exploitative relationships are characterised by an imbalance of power and the use of controlling behaviours to keep the child or young person in a dependent position.

Child Criminal Exploitation

Children are not only exploited sexually, the exploitation of children for criminal gain is an emerging issue affecting communities across the UK.

Child Criminal Exploitation occurs where an individual or a group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18.

The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child Criminal Exploitation does not always involve physical contact, it can also occur through the use of technology.
 

Grooming

All forms of child exploitation can involve a ‘grooming stage’.

The term ‘grooming’ describes the variety of methods that are used to manipulate and control victims. This can include:

• The giving of gifts or presents
• Rewards - like mobile phone top-ups or games credits
• False promises of love and/or affection
• The provision of alcohol and drugs.

Grooming is a way of developing an exclusive bond between abuser and victim.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to grooming where the abuser deceptively constructs a connection between sought after love and affection, increased status, or offers a sense of belonging. As a result of this process, children and young people rarely recognise the coercive and abusive nature of the relationship and will prioritise their attachment and loyalty to the offender over their own safety and wellbeing.

The early stages of the grooming process can seem an exciting time for a child or young person - particularly if they are given high status gifts or are taken to parties, pubs, or clubs that they wouldn’t normally get into.

In cases of sexual exploitation it is common for grooming to take place online. Once a bond is established, offenders will use a variety of coercive and controlling behaviours to maintain their hold over the child. These can include:

• Isolating the child from friends and family
• Monitoring use of social media
• Threatening or inflicting violence or injury
• Making threats to harm themselves if the child withdraws from the ‘relationship’.