Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) can occur when a group or individual coerces a child into sexual activity through deception, power or manipulation. It is usually in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, or for financial advantage or increased status for the perpetrator.

​

It’s important that we all recognise the signs of CSAE, so we can help to disrupt this abuse.

​

• A young person becoming especially secretive and stops engaging with their usual friends

• Association with, or developing a sexual relationship with older men or women

• Going missing from home – and being defensive about where they are and what they’re doing, often returning home late or staying out all night

• Absence from school

• Receiving odd calls and messages on their mobiles or social media pages from unknown, possibly much older, associates from outside their normal social network

• Being in possession of new, expensive items which they couldn’t normally afford, such as mobile phones, iPads or jewellery

• Sudden changes in dressing patterns or musical taste

• Looking tired and/or unwell, and sleeping at unusual hours

• Marks or scars on their body, which they try to conceal

• Use of new ‘street language’ or responding to a new ‘street’ name
   

You can still be sexually exploited even if you have given consent, and it doesn’t always involve physical contact – it can happen online too.
 

If you suspect a child is being exploited, criminally or sexually, please click here to report it to your local police force. In an emergency always dial 999.

​

​