Child Sexual Exploitation
Our vision is that no child should be affected by sexual exploitation, but more children than ever before need us.
In this animated short film, hear about how Barnardo's helped Greg escape sexual exploitation that began when he was 12. To find out more about our work in this area, please visit: http://ow.ly/Xdp9U.
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Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse.
It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.
The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual.
Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
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CSE happens in person and can also happen online. A child's trust it gained by an abuser and will control them through the threat of violence and or blackmail before moving onto abusing them sexually.
Children who are sexually exploited may be persuaded/ forced to send or post sexually explicit images of themselves, film/ stream sexual activity, have sexual conversations.
Once the abuser has images, video and copies of conversations they are able to use them to blackmail or force the young person into further sexual activity.
Sexual exploitation is used particularly in gangs to exert power and control, initiation as a weapon.
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CSE can be hart to spot and they are often overlooked as normal teenage behaviours. Being aware of the signs and looking at the factors around a young person will help to protect them.
Young people experiencing CSE will likely:
Are frightened of some people, places or situations
be secretive
Display a sharp change in the behaviour or character
Have money, clothing, or items they can't explain or refuse to explain. Often they have items that seem unusually expensive.
Engaging in unhealthy and inappropriate sexual behaviour
Show signs of abuse like bruises
Misusing alcohol or drugs
Pregnancy
STI's
Having an older boyfriend/ girlfriend
Going missing
Missing days at school/ college
Involved in a gang
Involved in criminal activities
Hanging out with older people, vulnerable people or other anti social groups
Staying out late or overnight
Being seen in areas they don't usually hang out in
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If a child reports CSE to you it is important to or you have concerns a child may be being sexually exploited:
Stay calm and listen carefully to what they are saying
Tell them that they are not to blame and that they have done the right thing by speaking to them
Tell them that you will take what they have said to you seriously
Explain what you will do next
Do not confront the alleged abuser
Report what the child has told you as soon as possible
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When you suspect that a young person is at risk of child exploitation refer to the CE Checklist. Instructions on using the CE checklist are contained within the document. When you complete the CE checklist ensure you include as much information as possible (names of associates etc.). You can also send the CE checklist to the compass email (compass@Wirral.gov.uk) and arrange a consultation to discuss your concerns.
Where there are safeguarding concerns and you feel that the young person is at risk then you MUST refer to the IFD as soon as possible.
If you are aware of an incident that requires Police involvement, then contact them on 101 (non-emergencies) and 999 (immediate response).
Professionals are able to submit intelligence via. The Merseyside Police website
As much information as possible is useful for the police (full names, dates of birth, addresses etc.)
Further Support
Wirral Integrated Front Door Team IFD
If a child or young person is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect please report it to the Wirral Integrated Front Door Team:
Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5.00pm Tel: 0151 606 2008
Outside of these hours Tel: 0151 677 6557
E-mail: IFD@wirral.gov.uk
CATCH 22
Catch 22 works to prevent and stop Child Sexual Exploitation Wirral Missing from Home and Child Exploitation Service Works with young people under 18-years-old across The Wirral who are missing from home or care, or experiencing or at risk of child exploitation.
Young people 10 to 18-years-old | Within a 30-mile radius of the Wirral.
Catch 22’s Missing from home helpline is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0808 168 9698
This service works alongside young people, their families and the police to find out what has caused them to run away and prevent them from running away again in the future.
Help is provided for young people who have run away who are at risk of becoming involved in crime to survive, from stealing to criminal gang involvement, drug and alcohol misuse, mental and sexual health issues, exclusion from school. and failure to meet educational milestones.
Links & Contacts
RASA Merseyside
RASA Merseyside is a professional counselling and support service that exists solely to improve the mental and physical well-being of individuals impacted by sexual violence at some point in their lives. Helpline support: 0151 666 1392 Tues 6-8pm, Thurs 6-8pm, Fri 12-2pm Birkenhead 0151 650 0155 Hoylake 0151 633 2151
Telephone: 0151 666 1392
Email: rasa@rasamerseyside.org
Read more about RASA Merseyside
Wirral Youth Justice Service
YJS prevention work is completed on a voluntary basis with young people aged 10 to 18 years who are involved in Anti-Social or Offending Behaviour.
Referrals for the YJS Prevention Services should be completed on the Youth Justice Service referral form.
Please call 0151-666-3466 for more details.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
CEOP is a law enforcement agency and is here to help keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. We help thousands of children and young people every year who have been in a similar situation to you. CEOP are unable to respond to reports about bullying, fake accounts or account hacking.
It’s Never Ok
Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance is a formal partnership between a range of statutory authorities and voluntary organisations. The Alliance oversees delivery of the Wirral Plan’s Zero Tolerance to Domestic Abuse Pledge and allows all members to bring matters to the attention of other partners. How can we help, who we are. Visit our website for more information
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
or
Text BLUE to 85258 to get resources and sign posting information.
Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving. All of our Crisis Volunteers donate their time to helping people in crisis.