Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation (CSAE)

What is Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation?

Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) occurs when a group or individual coerces a child into sexual activity through deception, power, or manipulation.

It is usually in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, or for financial advantage or increased status for the perpetrator.

Each year, thousands of young people are sexually abused in the UK. They often keep it a secret. Many don’t understand what is happening

What is the difference between child sexual abuse and exploitation?

Child sexual abuse (CSA)

Child sexual abuse is when a child or young person is forced or tricked into sexual activities. They might not understand that what’s happening is abuse or that it’s wrong. And they might be afraid to tell someone. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone and it can happen in many different places, including home, school or work.

It’s never a child’s fault they were sexually abused. It’s important to make sure children know this.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

Child sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse when an adult tricks a child into performing sexual acts by offering them something. This might include gifts, drugs, money, status or even affection. Once they have gained the trust of the young person, they can then control them through violence or threats.

Spotting the Signs – In the Community

Signs that a young person is being sexually abused or exploited can include:

A young person becoming especially secretive and stops engaging with their usual friends
New association with older men or women
Going missing from home – and being defensive about where they are and what they’re doing, often returning home late or staying out all night
Absence from school
Receiving odd calls and messages on their mobiles or social media pages from unknown, possibly much older associates from outside their normal social network
Being in possession of new, expensive items which they couldn’t normally afford, such as mobile phones, iPads or jewellery
Sudden changes in dressing patterns or musical taste
Looking tired and/or unwell, and sleeping at unusual hours
Marks or scars on their body which they try to conceal
Use of new ‘street language’ or responding to a new ‘street’ name

Useful Resources

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre

https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/

Spotted signs of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation?

You can anonymously report to Crimestoppers online. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that works to help communities. Your anonymous report will be sent to the relevant authority with the legal responsibility to investigate the crime you have reported. This could be your local police force, a Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), or a national partner such as the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Always call 999 in an emergency where you suspect threat to life.

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