Child Exploitation

Sexual Exploitation

What is child sexual exploitation?

Child sexual exploitation is when someone takes advantage of a young person (under 18) by using power to force, trick, or pressure them into sexual activity. This might happen in exchange for something the young person wants or needs, or for the benefit of the person taking advantage of them (like money or status). Even if the young person seems to agree, it doesn't mean they aren't being exploited. CSE can happen online and doesn’t always involve physical contact.

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion is when someone threatens to share or post intimate images of a person unless they do what the attacker asks. The person might have asked for the pictures, recorded the

victim secretly, or even used technology like AI to make fake images. Even though "sextortion" is the term most people know, it’s better called "online sexual coercion and extortion of young people."

Sextortion is illegal and often done by criminals who prey on young people’s emotions to control them. The goal is to scare and manipulate the victim into doing something they don’t want to do. While anyone can be a victim, young people aged 15 to 17 and adults under 30 are especially at risk.

Spotting the signs

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No one should ever pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with, especially when it comes to sex. Some examples of what’s not okay are:

Threatening to break up with you if you don’t have sex.
Making you do sexual things you don't want to do.
Manipulating you into having sex by making you feel guilty.
Asking you to have sex with other people.
Expecting sex in exchange for food or a place to stay.
Offering drugs or alcohol in exchange for sexual acts.
Threatening to stop being friends if you don’t do sexual "dares."
Threatening to hurt you if you don’t do what they want sexually or otherwise.
Saying they will hurt or kill themselves if you leave them.
Having sex with you when you’re drunk or on drugs – you can’t give consent then.
Threatening to tell others about your sexuality.
Trying to shame you in your community for your sexual behaviour.
Using their age, status, or power to pressure you into sexual acts.
Inviting you to parties and expecting sex as a "payment."
Receiving money or gifts for sex.
Asking you to take or share sexual photos of yourself online or by text.
Threatening to share or humiliate you with sexual images if you don’t do more sexual acts.

If anyone is making you feel uncomfortable or pressuring you like this, it’s important to reach out to someone you trust and get help. You have the right to say no, and no one has the right to treat you this way.

Just know it is not your fault!

Where can you find help?

If you are being forced into doing something that makes you worried or uncomfortable in any way, please talk to an adult you trust. If you feel you are in danger, contact the police on 999 immediately.

Do:

Get help – no matter how bad it feels.
Trust your instincts – if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
Ask for help and support.

Don't:

Trust someone you’ve only met online – even if you think you know them.
Put yourself in a situation where you are alone with someone you don’t really know.
Carry on doing something because you think you must – get help.

Useful websites to turn to

Home | It's Not Okay

LoveRespect - Is my relationship healthy?

So You Got Naked Online | SWGfL

I am a young person | How We Can Help | Marie Collins Foundation

Sexual violence - Galop the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity - Galop

11-18s | CEOP Education

Sex and relationships | Childline

Criminal Exploitation

What is criminal exploitation?

There isn't a specific legal definition of CCE (Child Criminal Exploitation), but the Home Office (2023) explains it this way: CCE happens when someone or a group uses their power to force, control, trick, or deceive a child or young person (under 18) into doing something illegal. Even if the victim seems to agree to the activity, they can still be exploited. Child criminal exploitation doesn’t always involve physical contact; it can also happen through technology.

CCE can include things like "county lines" (when young people are made to sell drugs or commit crimes in different areas), stealing items, or being pushed into violent acts.

What are the dangers of criminal exploitation?

Getting involved with organised crime groups can be extremely dangerous, and it's important to understand the risks. These groups often use tricks to recruit young people, like offering rewards, pretending to be friends, or even threatening and pressuring you. The dangers include being forced to commit crimes, even if you didn’t directly do anything wrong, and being arrested for things you didn’t do. It’s also hard to escape from these groups once you’re involved—they may threaten your safety or the safety of your friends and family. You could face physical harm, emotional abuse, or even worse, being hurt or killed. These groups might also push you to abuse drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Getting involved can ruin your education and future job opportunities, leaving long-lasting effects on your life. Stay away from anything that seems like it could lead you into this kind of dangerous situation.

Spot the signs!

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Missing school a lot and doing badly in classes.
Going missing from home, staying out late, or traveling without explaining why.
Hanging out with or being in a relationship with someone older.
Acting more angry, aggressive, or violent than usual.
Becoming more isolated or withdrawn from family and friends.
Having unexplained money or buying new things you can’t explain.
Wearing clothes or accessories that could be linked to gangs or getting tattoos.
Using new slang words that seem different from what you usually say.
Spending more time on social media and being secretive about it.
Making more calls or sending more texts, maybe from a new phone.
Self-harming or feeling emotionally unwell.
Taking drugs or drinking alcohol.
Getting into trouble, like stealing or vandalizing things.
Having unexplained injuries and not wanting to get medical help.
Carrying weapons or having a dangerous dog.