What to do if…Child Sexual Exploitation
Child sexual exploitation, or CSE as it is often referred to, is a form of sexual abuse against a child or young person (under 18) by an adult. CSE is a criminal offence. Perpetrators use lots of different ways to groom their victims, including using social media via mobiles or online to gain the trust of a child or young person before emotionally and sexually abusing them for their own gain.
Violence, coercion and intimidation are common features. Exploitative relationships are characterised by the child or young person having little chance to seek help. In many cases their social and economic circumstances add to their emotional vulnerability.
A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation.
The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board supports the regional see me, hear me campaign to raise awareness of CSE.
Visit www.seeme-hearme.org.uk to access campaign resources, gain an insight of the warning signs, read real-life case studies and watch videos which help both adults and young people to be more alert to the risks.