Be aware of signs

CSE is a form of sexual abuse which involves manipulating young people into sexual activity in exchange for gifts, money or affection.

It can include online and offline grooming, trafficking, sexual harassment and engaging in online sexually explicit activities or images.

It can happen to any young person whatever their background, age, gender, race or sexuality.

Sometimes the young person doesn’t understand that they’re being abused as they believe they are in a loving consensual relationship. Alternatively, they may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what’s happening.

The NSPCC is encouraging everyone to think about, recognise and speak out against the sexual exploitation of children so we can lift the lid on CSE together.

In order to do this everyone needs to be aware of the signs, children and young people need to learn about healthy relationships, everyone needs to know how to report their concerns, and perpetrators need to be identified and prosecuted.

Young people who are being sexually exploited may: be involved in abusive relationships, intimidated and fearful of certain people or situations; hang out with groups of older people, or antisocial groups, or with other vulnerable peers; associate with other young people involved in sexual exploitation; get involved in gangs, gang fights, gang membership; have older boyfriends or girlfriends; spend time at places of concern, such as hotels or known brothels; not know where they are, because they have been moved around the country; go missing from home, care or education.

They may also show signs of sexual abuse or grooming.

Worried a young person is a victim of, or is at risk of, CSE? Contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.

If a child is in immediate danger then don’t delay — call the police on 999.

Wendy Robinson, Childline Service Manager, London base