Child sexual exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) describes the involvement of children and young people in sexual activity through persuasion, force or coercion, believing that they will receive something in return, such as money, drugs or status. Often victims of CSE do not recognise that they are being abused, therefore it is important that professionals are able to recognise warning signs that a child or young person may be subject to sexual exploitation.

The mnemonic safeguard can be a useful tool when considering those at risk:

• sexual health and behaviour: evidence of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and termination; inappropriate sexualised behaviour
• absent from school or repeatedly running away
• familial abuse and/or problems at home
• emotional and physical condition: deliberate self-harm, suicide attempts, unexplained injuries or changes in physical appearance
• gang membership or association, older age groups and involvement in crime
• use of technology and sexual bullying
• alcohol and drug misuse at problematic levels
• receipt of unexplained gifts or money
• distrust of authority figures.

A key risk factor which might be picked up at a preoperative assessment is a young person being accompanied by an unknown person that causes concern (e.g. acting in a controlling or coercive manner)

If you suspect that a child or young person is being sexually exploited then discuss your concerns with a member of the Local Safeguarding Team who will be able to advise on how to proceed in the first instance. Significant concerns would warrant a referral to child social care. Detailed guidance from HM Government can be found here.

A report published by the Children's Commissioner looking to learn lessons from high profile failures to protect children and young people in the UK from CSE can be found here.

The Academy of Royal Colleges has recognised the need for better recognition of Child Sexual exploitation in a publication from 2014 which can be found here.