Preventing child sexual exploitation
Each year, thousands of young people are abused and groomed to have sex. Some are tricked into thinking they’re in a ‘normal’, even loving relationship, then they are threatened and passed around to strangers. This needs to stop.
We want to end child sexual exploitation, and make sure childhood abuse doesn’t define a young person’s future.
Preventing child sexual exploitation
what is child sexual exploitation
What is CSE?
CSE stands for child sexual exploitation and is a type of abuse. It’s when children are tricked into performing sexual acts. It can happen to both boys and girls.
At the start, the young person may think they’re in a loving consensual relationship, because they get gifts, money, status, affection. In reality, they are being groomed.
Having gained the child’s trust, abusers can control them through threats and violence. They may force them to have sex with other people and even make them groom other young people for sex.
How we help children affected by CSE
We work to end child sexual exploitation and help those who have been through to rebuild their trust and hope.
Some children don’t know they’re being abused. They think they’re in a normal relationship. With our help, they can come to terms with their abuse and take control of their situation. We counsel them for as long as it takes to feel more confident and trust people again.
I've come a long way
I've come a long way
Abused as a child, Alice was an anxious teenager, scared to leave the house. Now she's a signed musician, putting on gigs for other artists.
working with children at risk of CSE
Working with children at risk
Children at Risk of Exploitation (C.A.R.E.) works with young people aged 8-24 years who are at medium or high risk of exploitation. We provide one-to-one therapy sessions, group sessions and parental support. It’s for young people who can’t or don't feel able access any other exploitation service. We are the last line of support.
I can recognise grooming now
working with communities
I like the fact I feel safe I like the fact I feel safe
– young person at Checkpoint
Working with communities
Our Checkpoint service in Torbay works with young people and their families who have been affected by sexual exploitation. We listen to young people’s needs and work out how they can keep themselves safe.
Unlike other services, we work closely with local schools to help them understand exploitation. We support teachers to deliver their own sessions on exploitation and train other professionals in the community to recognise the signs of child sexual exploitation.
Preventing online exploitation
Young people should be able to be creative, personal and expressive, without threats from bullies or online groomers. We work to promote internet safety and end online exploitation.
What can I do about child sexual exploitation?
You can learn about how exploitation happens and how to spot the signs of exploitation. If you’re a teacher, parent, carer, hotel worker, bus driver - anyone who may be in a position to identify exploitation - it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
If you think a child is being sexually exploited, don’t confront the abuser. This may put the child in more danger. Instead, report it to the authorities immediately. They’ll tell you what to do.
If you think a young person is in danger, call the police on 999.
