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

Criminal exploitation is when an adult, peer or group coerces, controls or manipulates a child under 18 into committing crimes – This often occurs through (or threat of) violence to them or to someone close to them.

The young person may think their abuser is their friend, boy/girlfriend but the abuser will put them into dangerous situations, forcing the child/young person to do things they don’t want to do. 

Protecting Children from CCE

NSPCC - Child Sexual Exploitation
NSPCC - Child Criminal Exploitation and Gangs

Signs of CSE/CCE can be difficult to identify but can include:

• Child missing from home or care
• Physical injuries
• Misuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• Repeated sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancies or terminations
• Absence from school
• Deterioration in physical appearance
• Evidence of online sexual bullying
• Evidence of vulnerability on social networking sites
• Emotional distance from family members
• Receiving [expensive] gifts from unknown sources
• Recruiting others into exploitative situations
• Poor mental health
• Self-harming
• Thinking about or attempting suicide
• Involvement with gangs, gang fights, gang membership
• Involved in abuse relationships
• Intimidated by and fearful of certain people/situations

How to Report CSE/CCE

CEOP - How do you report CSAE online?

The NSPCC have a Helpline on 0808 800 5000 – with dedicated child protection specialists that will be able to advise and take any necessary action.

You can also contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online or through their Fearless campaign, also anonymously.

Or

Police: call 999 or 101
Safeguarding Hub: 0300 126 7000

 What is Grooming?

The process of ‘grooming’ is designed to isolate the child/young person, breaking down relationships with parents, carers and friends, making the child/young person easier to manipulate.

Signs of grooming can be hard to spot.  Children/Young people may:

• Become very secretive, including about what they are doing online
• Have money, cigarettes/vapes, new clothes, new mobile phones
              – things that they can’t or won’t explain
• Go to unusual places to meet with ‘friends’
• Have access to drugs and/or alcohol

In older children, signs of grooming can be mistaken for ‘normal’ teenage behaviours BUT you may notice unexplained changes in their behaviour or personality, or inappropriate sexual behaviour for their age.

We would encourage any pupil concerned that they, or someone they know, may be a victim of CSE/CCE to speak with a trusted member of the safeguarding team.