How CSE happens
In the beginning the young person is made to feel special by showing them interest and affection. This grooming can take place online or in person. They may be given gifts, somewhere to hang out, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, a mobile phone or money for example.
Once the abuser has gained the young person's trust they may request sexual favours for themselves and/or others in return. The abuser then stops being nice and can become threatening and violent.
Abusers can be men or women, from any background, race or religion. They may be the same age - even attending the same school- or older than the young person. They will hold power over the young person - this may include being older, physically stronger, more popular or having more money.
Spotting the signs of CSE
Spotting the signs of CSE isn't always easy - the warning signs can be similar to the ups and downs young people experience as part of growing up. However, there are changes in behaviour that might be a sign that something serious is going on. The more you are aware of what to look out for, the better placed you will be to help protect your child.
Your child could be at risk if you spot any of the following:
- mood swings and changes in emotional wellbeing
- secretive behaviour
- skipping school
- coming home late or staying out over night
- new friends
- an older boyfriend or girlfriend
- constantly on the phone or online
- unexplained, expensive new things
- using drugs or alcohol
- change in style, tastes or behaviours
- unexplained marks or scars
- being picked up and dropped off by people you don't know.
- losing touch with their family and usual friends
- unsafe sexual behaviour or infections
- hanging out with other young people involved in exploitation
- displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour
- receiving messages or calls from new contacts
Spotting signs if you think you are being CSE
It is not OK for someone to:
- threaten to end your relationship if you don't have sex with them or someone else
- ask or make you have sex with other people
- expect sex in return for food or a place to stay
- share drugs or alcohol with you in return for sexual acts
- threaten to stop being friends if you don't perform sexual 'dares'
- give you gifts or money in return for sexual acts
- ask you to take sexual photos of yourself or share them online or by text
- asking you or giving you money to do sexual things in front of a webcam
- threaten to humiliate you or share sexual images of you if you don't carry out more sex acts
This isn't a complete list, but if any of these situations sound familiar then you may have been sexually exploited, even if the person who did it was a friend, boyfriend or girlfriend, even if you love them or if they say they love you. If you are under 18, this behaviour towards you is against the law. No-one is allowed to do these things to you and there are people who can help you.
If you have concerns about a child, you should report it straightaway