What is Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is defined as a form of child sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

The child or young person may trust their abuser. They may think they are in a loving relationship, even if the abuser controls, threatens or is violent towards them. They may not understand they are being abused or not believe they are being manipulated. They may depend on their abuser and be too scared to tell anyone what is happening.

Child sexual exploitation can happen to any child, or young person under the age of 18, from any background. It happens to boys and young men as well as girls and young women.

Exploitation is never the victim’s fault.

Will a child tell me this is happening to them?

Most parents find it hard to believe this kind of thing could happen to their child. And if your child was dealing with something this awful, you’d know about it, wouldn’t you?

Here is why it is unlikely your child would tell you or others:

  • Grooming - perpetrators gain control over children by grooming them, which is an incredibly powerful process. Once a child does something , even something really small that they know they might get ‘in trouble’ for, they become vulnerable to threats and coercion. So they get in deeper. The child starts to believe they are in a loving relationship with their exploiter, and is convinced that they are not loved or understood at home

  • Shame and guilt - children often believe the abuse is their own fault, especially if it occurred when they were using drugs or alcohol. They fear they will be blamed or punished for what has happened and may be frightened they could get into trouble from the police for accepting or handling drugs, or may even have developed a dependency on them. They will also feel ashamed of the sexual acts they have been coerced to participate in

  • Fear and blackmail - exploited children are often too frightened to tell anyone what is happening. Threats of violence are made not just to themselves, but towards their family members. They may be blackmailed by indecent images taken during the sexual exploitation. They think they still ‘owe’ the abuser for any gifts or substances they have received. They may fear for the perpetrators and what to protect them.

CSE online

When sexual exploitation happens online, young people may be persuaded or forced to:

  • send or post sexually explicit images of themselves
  • take part in sexual activities via a webcam or smartphone
  • have sexual conversations by text or online

You should make sure you know the signs of CSE and that there is support available in your area