Working with children who are sexually exploited

What is Child Sexual Exploitation?

The sexual exploitation of children and young people is a hidden form of abuse and as such it is difficult to define. A number of different definitions have been developed through the work of researchers and practitioners though the concepts of exploitation and exchange are central to each. The varying ways in which abuse through sexual exploitation manifests itself are captured in the following definition:

Child sexual exploitation is the coercion or manipulation of children and young people into takingpart in sexual activities. It is a form of sexual abused involving an exchange of some form of payment which can include money, mobile phones and other items, drugs, alcohol, a place to stay, 'protection' or affection. The vulnerability of the young person and grooming process employed by perpetrators renders them powerless to recognise the exploitative nature of relationships and unable to give informed consent.