Child Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive ‘something’ (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child or young person’s immediate recognition; for example, being persuaded to post sexual images on the Internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain.

What are the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation?

If you have concerns about a child, the current CSE Risk Assessment Toolkit can be used to assess the situation and advise on what action to take next.

Effects of child sexual exploitation

Both sexual exploitation in person and online can have long-term effects on a child or young person. They may:

PCYoung people and their families often require a range of support over a long period of time to assist them in overcoming the impact of CSE.

What is the Southend Safeguarding Partnership (Children)  (SSCP) doing in relation to Child Sexual Exploitation?

Southend SSPC has prioritised and is committed to tackling CSE. It works together with the Safeguarding Partnerships of Essex and Thurrock to coordinate its response to this issue. Our CSE Policy details how agencies, including the Police and Children’s Services, will work together to identify children and young people at risk of CSE; share information; assess their needs; support them and their families; and disrupt and pursue perpetrators through the criminal justice system. All SSPC partner agencies have a CSE Champion to help professionals in their organisation to identify and support children and young people at risk of CSE.

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of sexual exploitation, you can contact: