Safeguarding: CSE
Child sexual exploitation- often known as (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse. CSE involves manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity. It often involves young people being offered something in return for performing sexual acts, for example:
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Mobile Phones
Gifts
Money
Drugs
Love & affection
Young people can be groomed and sexually exploited anywhere they might live, learn or, play. This includes a variety of premises and locations such as (but not limited to):
Parks
Shopping centres
Taxi ranks
Restaurants
Takeaways
Gyms
Leisure centres
Hotels
Hostels
Pubs/bars/clubs.
Young people and the warning signs of CSE:
CSE can be very difficult to spot for victims, especially if the abuser is someone they trust. If you are in regular contact with young people, it is crucial that you’re able to spot the warning signs of CSE to stop the crime developing. If you have an indication that something is wrong it is crucial you report it.
The signs:
Not attending school or coming home late
Staying out overnight without an explanation
Older boyfriend/girlfriend
Increasingly secretive
Often tired and sleeping at unusual times
Not performing well at school
Disengaged from family or other support networks
Change in appearance/dressing in a way that is inappropriate for their age
Visible signs of abuse such as bruising
Becoming more aggressive/using abusive language
Unexplained money or gifts
New relationships with older people
Regularly drinking alcohol or drug abuse
CSE can affect any young person no matter of their ethnicity or social background. CSE can happen anytime, anywhere and can be carried out by individuals, gangs or groups.
How CSE can occur:
Online:
CSE can be conducted over the internet where it is easy for offenders to assume a false identity. They may use websites, online forums or social media to target their victims and gain their trust before abusing them.
Via friends, girlfriends or boyfriends:
Abusers often build a close relationship with the young person as their boyfriend/girlfriend or friend. Over time however, things change and the offender might make the young person do things for them in order to maintain their relationship.
Organised networks:
Photos and videos of young people may be shared amongst groups of people who are working together. They persuade young people to attend parties amongst the network where the abuse will occur.
Chance meeting:
Remember, CSE doesn’t just involve a relationship being built first. It can occur on a chance meeting! This can happen if an offender sees a young person out late or in a place that is not appropriate for their age. They will target these vulnerable individuals and offer them money, alcohol or a lift for example.
Unassuming abuser:
Abusers aren’t always older than their victims. CSE can also occur amongst people in the same group of friends who are the same age. Offenders are not necessarily older than their victims as in many cases abusers may be the victim’s peers.
Trafficking
Trafficking involves the illegal trade of people for the purposes of exploitation.
Children and young people who are victims of sexual exploitation are also vulnerable to trafficking. This occurs across cities and counties within the UK, and also internationally for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
The recognition of trafficking within the UK applies irrespective of distance travelled and can be applied to movements within the same city.
Section 59A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (SOA) specifies that trafficking within the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation is an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
If you have concerns about a possible victim of CSE or trafficking contact your local MASH hub.
For more information on how our safeguarding team can assist you in better equipping your business and staff to be able to spot the signs and prevent safeguarding issues, get in touch!
You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk