Child sexual exploitation: Hidden in plain site
Child sexual abuse can happen anywhere, to anyone, by anyone. Alarmingly the number of cases continues to increase year on year. However, that number is thought to be much higher. It is often a hidden crime. The young person might not even know it is happening to them. The internet and social media give anonymity to perpetrators to groom children. In this blog we look into the risks young people face from child sexual exploitation and how we help them through their experiences.
Children sexually abused
Every year thousands of teenagers are sexually abused and exploited. In fact, as many as 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before the age of 16. They are coerced into thinking that they’re in a real, safe relationship. This might start with a simple DM on Instagram or a comment on their TikTok post. Things can progress quickly. Once the perpetrator has gained their trust, they then can start requesting explicit photos or ask to meet up. Even if they start to get suspicious or try to break free of communications they may be threatened.
Grooming of children
The trauma this can cause can be very deep rooted. They may feel ashamed, or scared and betrayed. It can affect future relationships with feelings of distrust and paranoia. It is common to see teenagers blame themselves or think no one will believe them when they have been sexually exploited.
That is why they desperately need our help. They need someone to talk to. Someone to reassure them that it isn’t their fault. We have specialist services able to help them process what happened.
Isla and Faye’s story
Isla and Faye’s story
When Isla was ten, she was exposed to sexually explicit content by someone she trusted; someone who should have kept her safe. Isla’s wellbeing quickly deteriorated and for many years she was experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. She was anxious, unable to sleep, afraid to socialise and experiencing intrusive thoughts. Relations with her mother, Faye, had broken down. She felt like she had nowhere to turn.
Sexual exploitation
I felt like lashing out. I had a lot of distrust for people and a lot of separation anxiety with my Mum. I was worried and anxious and feeling out of control.
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Teenagers are children too, and a future of hope and happiness belongs to every one of them. Don't let them face life alone.
Grooming
At age twelve, following a referral to our services, Isla finally received the help that she needed. Faye noticed a remarkable transformation in her daughter and their relationship has grown stronger as they’ve learned how to open up to one another and have difficult conversations. Having a safe and therapeutic space in which to process their experiences, individually and together, has been essential in allowing them both to begin a path of healing.
I want other children to know that it does get better, and it’s going to be OK. And it’s not your fault; adults’ choices are not your fault.
A helping hand
A teenager who is being or has been groomed shouldn’t face it alone. They can be referred to us by a professional, such as their social workers or the police. The work is therapeutic. It helps them understand what happened to them, process the impact and move forward in their lives.
Our support can include trauma narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused CBT. We work at their pace, teaching them coping skills, breathing techniques, positive self-talk and we also help them to understand their thoughts and feelings and talk them through common reactions and responses to sexual abuse. A lot of the work is also about helping young people not to blame themselves. This learning enhances their safety.
Our project workers become someone that they can trust to help them through this process. They are the ‘safe person’ and safe place for young survivors. But none of this is possible without your support. Help us build a brighter future for young people who suffer sexual abuse.
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Teenagers’ needs are being ignored, with those who face abuse, exploitation or neglect only receiving help at crisis point. But you can change that today.
