Sexual Exploitation

People who commit child sexual exploitation often ‘groom’ their victims to gain their trust.

Later, when the behaviour of the abuser starts to change, many children are too frightened to come forward, or don't realise they are being abused.

They may suffer in silence for years without anyone to talk to about what they’re going through.

It happens to children from all backgrounds and communities, right across the UK, out of sight and behind closed doors. It happens to both boys and girls, online or offline.

Child sexual exploitation doesn't always involve physical contact. It can also happen through the use of technology too.  

And a victim may have been sexually exploited, even if it appears consensual.

Child sexual exploitation is never the young person’s fault, even when they 'agree' to the sexual activity.