Child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation

Recognising the impact of sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a form of abuse where a child or young person is manipulated, pressured or forced into sexual activity. It can happen online or in person. It may involve people the child knows, as well as strangers.

Children and young people who are experiencing exploitation may not always recognise what is happening to them. The impact of grooming, manipulation and coercion can make it difficult for them to ask for help.

What is child sexual abuse and exploitation in law?

Child sexual abuse

This is when an adult or older young person uses a child for sexual purposes. This can include:

  • Touching a child in a sexual way
  • Making a child touch someone else
  • Forcing or encouraging a child to take part in sexual activity
  • Making, viewing or sharing sexual images of children
  • Showing sexual images or videos to a child
  • Sexually exploiting a child online

Child sexual exploitation

This is a form of child sexual abuse where a child or young person is manipulated or forced into sexual activity in exchange for something. This could be:

  • Money, gifts or other items
  • Attention, affection or a sense of belonging
  • Drugs or alcohol
  • A place to stay
  • Protection from harm

The child or young person may not recognise that what is happening is exploitation or abuse.

Grooming

Grooming is when someone builds a relationship with a child or young person to gain their trust, so they can manipulate, exploit or abuse them. Grooming can happen online or in person.

How this might affect a child or young person

There are a range of signs that may suggest a child or young person could be experiencing exploitation or abuse. These signs don’t always mean exploitation is happening, but they may indicate that a child needs support.

Some possible signs include:

  • Appearing frightened of certain people, places or situations
  • Sexual behaviour that seems unusual or inappropriate for their age
  • Becoming unusually secretive about their activities or contacts
  • Sudden changes in mood, behaviour or personality
  • Changes in relationships with family members or friends
  • Having money, gifts or items they can’t explain
  • Physical signs of harm, including bruising or pain
  • Sudden changes in physical appearance or personal hygiene
  • Alcohol or drug misuse
  • Sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy
  • Having an older partner or boyfriend/girlfriend
  • Staying out late or overnight without explanation
  • Spending time with a new or different group of friends
  • Going missing from home or care, or not attending school
  • Spending time with significantly older people
  • Becoming involved in gang-related activity or criminal activity
  • Appearing emotionally numb, withdrawn or disconnected
  • Changes in mental health, including self-harm or thoughts of suicide

Every child responds differently to abuse and trauma. Because exploitation often involves manipulation and control, the signs can vary widely and may change over time.

If something doesn’t feel right and you’re worried about a child or young person, it’s OK to seek advice.

You can contact the NSPCC helpline for confidential guidance and support:
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk

Trained professionals can listen to your concerns and help you understand what steps you might take to keep a child safe.

Get the help you need

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you’re worried about a child or young person, or if you’re a young person who needs help, support is available.

For advice and support:

Call us on 0800 876 6155.

Our opening hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8am – 6pm
  • Wednesday: 8am – 8pm
  • Saturday: 9am – 5pm
  • Sunday: closed

We can listen to your concerns and help you understand what options are available.

Child safeguarding and reporting:

NSPCC – The UK’s leading children’s charity. They provide advice for anyone worried about a child.
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
They provide advice for anyone worried about a child.

Childline – Confidential support for children and young people.
Phone or online chat: 0800 1111

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) – A service run by the National Crime Agency where children, young people and adults can report concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming.

It’s Not Okay – A Greater Manchester initiative working to protect young people from child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Specialist sexual abuse support:

Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Specialist support for adults and children who have experienced sexual assault. Their services include medical examinations, practical and emotional support and counselling.
Available 24 hours a day.
Phone: 0161 276 6515

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Confidential support and counselling for women aged 18 and over who have experienced rape or sexual abuse.
Phone: 0161 273 4500
Email: help@gmrapecrisis.co.uk

We Are Survivors – Specialist support for males in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation.
Phone: 0161 236 2182

The Maggie Oliver Foundation – Provides emotional support and legal advocacy for people who have experienced, or are at risk of, child sexual exploitation.

The Survivors Trust – Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

If you’re struggling to cope:

If you’re finding things overwhelming or having thoughts of suicide you can contact Samaritans, who offer free and confidential support 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123

Reporting concerns about a child

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you’re worried about a child’s safety, you can:

If you’re a young person who needs help, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 to talk to someone in confidence.

You can also share information anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police.

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