Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse, in which a 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 person may think that their abuser is their friend, or even a boyfriend or girlfriend. But they will put them into dangerous situations, forcing them to do things they don't want to do. The abuser may physically or verbally threaten them or be violent towards them. They will control and manipulate them, and try to isolate them from friends and family.

This type of abuse could happen to any young person or adult including adults with care and support needs from any background. It happens to males and females. The victims of abuse are not at fault. Abusers are very clever in the way they manipulate and take advantage of the people they abuse.

Many young people are 'groomed' by an abusing adult who befriends the young person and makes them feel special by buying them gifts or giving them lots of attention. Young people may be targeted online or in person. Sexual exploitation can also occur between young people of a similar age.

In most cases, the abuser will have power of some kind over the young person. It may be that the abuser is older or more emotionally mature, physically stronger, or that they are in a position where they are able to control the young person.

There are some situations that can make young people more vulnerable to exploitation; by becoming distant from the people who would usually look after them. Young people who are having difficulties at home, regularly go missing or have experienced care may be particularly vulnerable.

People who are the victims of sexual exploitation often don't recognise that they're being exploited. However, there are a number of telltale signs that someone may be being groomed for sexual exploitation. These include:

• Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
• Regularly missing school or not taking part in education
• Appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions
• Associating with other people involved in exploitation
• Having older boyfriends or girlfriends
• Suffering from sexually transmitted infections
• Mood swings or changes in emotional wellbeing
• Drug and alcohol misuse
• Displaying inappropriate/unusual sexualised behaviour

As a parent or carer, it's important to discuss with children the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships to help highlight potential risks to them. 

There are also a number of practical steps you can take to protect children such as:

• Staying alert to changes in behaviour or any physical signs of abuse such as bruising
• Being aware of new, unexplained gifts or possessions and carefully monitoring any episodes of staying out late or not returning home
• Exercising caution around older friends your child may have, or relationships with other young people where there appears to be a power imbalance
• Making sure you understand the risks associated with your child being online and putting measures in place to minimise these risks