Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse, in which a young person is manipulated or forced into taking part in a sexual act. This could be as part of a seemingly consensual relationship, or in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol, or somewhere to stay.

The young person may think that their abuser is their friend, or even their boyfriend or girlfriend. However, the abuser may force the young person into dangerous situations, leading them to doing things they don't want to do.

Sexual exploitation can happen to any young person from any background. It can happen to boys and young men as well as girls and young women. The victims of this type of abuse are not at fault.

Signs of child sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation can be difficult to spot, and could sometimes be mistaken for 'normal' teenage behaviour. You should ask yourself these questions about your child:

• Are they chatting online to people you have never met?
• Are they secretive about where they've been and who they've been with?
• Do they lack self confidence?
• Are they losing contact with family and friends of their own age, and associating with an older age group?
• Has there been a change in their mood or behaviour?
• Have you had concerns that they could be using drugs and/or alcohol?
• Have they begun a relationship with someone that you're concerned about?
• Have they been coming home with money, clothes, jewellery and mobile phones they can't explain properly?
• Have they started to skip school?
• Have they been missing from home?
• Are they staying out overnight?

You can read more about the signs of child sexual exploitation on the NSPCC website.

What to do if you're worried about a child

If you're worried a young person is being abused or could be at risk of harm, you should report this right away. Find out what to do if you're worried about a child.