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Sexual exploitation research and lobbying

Barnardo’s is working to reduce the number of children experiencing the horror of sexual exploitation in the UK.

Barnardo's new report: Report of the Parliamentary inquiry into the effectiveness of legislation for tackling child sexual exploitation and trafficking within the UK – Chaired by Sarah Champion MP
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child abuse, which can happen to boys and girls from any background or community. It can range from seemingly 'consensual' relationships, informal exchanges of sex in order to get affection, accommodation or gifts, through to exploitation by gangs involved in serious, organised crime.

We are asking the UK Government to:

raise awareness to enable early identification of CSE
improve statutory responses to CSE and access to services
increase the evidence base on the prevalence and forms of CSE
improve prosecution procedures with an emphasis on victim support.

Successes so far

our Cut Them Free campaign has secured a UK ministerial lead on child sexual exploitation and a commitment from Government to develop a national action plan for England
we have had previous success in gaining new protections for under 18s in the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which introduces a range of offences relating to the grooming, coercion and control of children.

Our latest sexual exploitation research and resources

Find below a list of our latest sexual exploitation research and resources or search our full publications database.

Published date	Publication	Price
2017	Rapid Evidence Assessments: Child Sexual Exploitation by Silvie Bovarnick, Sara Scott, Di McNeisha, Jenny Pearce These Rapid Evidence Assessments are based on the available evidence in relation to prevention education, outreach work and direct work with sexually exploited or at risk children and young people. They bring together key messages from research and what works, as well as key features that underpin effective work with young people.	Free
2017	Working with children who are victims or at risk of sexual exploitation: Barnardo's model of practice by Wendy Shephard in collaboration with Becky Lewis This paper sets out the models and processes used to sexually exploit children and young people, and Barnardo's model of practice in engaging and supporting these children.	Free
2016	It's Not On The Radar by Carron Fox Child sexual exploitation (CSE) can affect all children, including those with disabilities, regardless of their gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, faith or economic background.	Free
2016	Barnardo's Online Grooming Survey 2016 by Carron Fox and Gunes Kalkan This snapshot survey of five Barnardo's sexual exploitation services across the UK shows the prevalence of online grooming and the number of children who had gone on to be sexually exploited after being groomed online.	Free
2016	Going the extra mile by Emilie Smeaton This report presents evidence-based learning from an evaluation of Barnardo's SECOS (Sexual Exploitation Children's Outreach Service) child sexual exploitation (CSE) service based in Middlesbrough.	Free
2016	Nightwatch: CSE in Plain Sight by Kate D'Arcy and Roma Thomas An independent evaluation of Barnardo's Nightwatch - a Department of Education pilot designed to increase awareness of CSE among businesses of the night-time economy (NTE).	Free
2015	Unprotected, Overprotected: meeting the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation by Anita Franklin, Phil Raws and Emilie Smeaton This exploratory research study aimed to increase understanding of how to meet the needs of children and young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, child sexual exploitation (CSE).	Free
2015	Welsh language: Unprotected, Overprotected: meeting the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation by Anita Franklin, Phil Raws and Emilie Smeaton Nod yr astudiaeth ymchwil archwiliadol hon oedd gwella dealltwriaeth o sut i ddiwallu anghenion plant a phobl ifanc ag anableddau dysgu sy'n profi CSE (camfanteisio¿n rhywiol ar blant).	Free
2015	Evaluation of Barnardo's Families and Communities Against Child Sexual Exploitation programme by Barnardo's (funded by DfE) independent evaluation by the University of Bedfordshire's International Centre The two year FCASE programme has been based in existing Barnardo's specialist CSE services in three locations across England.	Free
2015	Digital Dangers by Tink Palmer The impact of technology on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people	Free
2014	Health impact of sexual exploitation on adolescents by Department of Health and Chanon Consulting Appendix to Health Working Group Report on Child Sexual Exploitation The independent national Health Working Group on Child Sexual Exploitation has published a report designed to help health services improve the health and wellbeing of children who have experienced sexual exploitation. The report makes recommendations on how NHS, local authority and other health commissioners and practitioners can help protect children, identify and intervene in cases of child sexual exploitation and help children with recovery.	Free
2014	Health impacts of child sexual exploitation by Department of Health and Chanon Consulting Appendix to Health Working Group Report on Child Sexual Exploitation. The independent national Health Working Group on Child Sexual Exploitation has published a report designed to help health services improve the health and wellbeing of children who have experienced sexual exploitation. The report makes recommendations on how NHS, local authority and other health commissioners and practitioners can help protect children, identify and intervene in cases of child sexual exploitation and help children with recovery.	Free
2014	Not Just a Girl Thing: A Large-scale Comparison of Male and Female Users of Child Sexual Explitation Services by Ella Cockbain, Helen Brayley and Matthew Ashby Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is increasingly recognised in the UK and internationally as a child protection and crime prevention priority. Yet, research and responses have focused heavily on girls and young women, leaving fundamental knowledge gaps around the characteristics and needs of boys and young men affected by CSE. The study introduced in this document formed part of a wider collaborative research programme designed to improve understanding of and inform responses to the sexual exploitation of boys and young men in the UK.	Free
2014	Evaluation of Barnardo's Safe Accommodation Project for Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Young People by Lucie Shuker The University of Bedfordshire valuated the Barnardo's Safe Accommodation Project, which piloted the use of specialist foster placements for young people at risk, or victims, of sexual exploitation and/or trafficking, for the first time in England, as well as providing training to foster carers and associated professionals, and 1-1 support to young people in other care settings.	Free
2014	Hidden in Plain Sight: A Soping Study into the Sexual Exploitation of Boys and Young Men Over the last few years, there has been an increasing public and political focus on child sexual exploitation (CSE). Large-scale criminal trials have highlighted the issue and several research projects and reports have contributed to our understanding.1 However, the focus remains on female victims, with little attention given to males affected by sexual exploitation.	Free
2014	Research on the Sexual Exploitation of Boys and Young Men: a UK Scoping Study Using qualitative and quantitative evidence, this research explores the ways in which boys and young men are being sexually exploited; the differences and similarities between male and female victims of sexual exploitation and what services are currently available for boys and young men.	Free
2013	Running from hate to what you think is love (summary) by Barnardo's and Paradigm Research Our new report, produced in collaboration with Paradigm Research and funded by Comic Relief is the culmination of one to one interviews with more than 40 children from a range of backgrounds who have run away and been victims of sexual exploitation before the age of 16. Their experiences starkly demonstrate the variety of reasons why children choose to runaway and how easily they can find themselves at risk and in danger of being sexually exploited. The research also shows that running away can be the result of having been exploited for sex.	Free
2013	Running away from hate to what you think is love by Barnardo's and Paradigm Research Our new report, produced in collaboration with Paradigm Research and funded by Comic Relief is the culmination of one to one interviews with more than 40 children from a range of backgrounds who have run away and been victims of sexual exploitation before the age of 16. Their experiences starkly demonstrate the variety of reasons why children choose to runaway and how easily they can find themselves at risk and in danger of being sexually exploited. The research also shows that running away can be the result of having been exploited for sex.	Free
2013	Working with children and young people who experience running away and child sexual exploitation: An evidence-based guide for practitioners by Emilie Smeaton The aim of this guide is to provide practitioners working with children and young people with learning from an action research study addressing the relationship between running away and child sexual exploitation (CSE) so that, where appropriate, this learning can be incorporated into direct practice.	Free
2013	Sexual Exploitation: Sex, Secrets and Lies 'Sexual Exploitation - Sex, Secrets & Lies', Your Guide examines the risks young people face and explore ways of keeping safe. The colourful, easy to read booklet is illustrated and has been designed to be used by young people as well as family members and carers who are concerned about the safety of young people.	Free
2012	Tackling child sexual exploitation: Helping local authorities to develop effective responses by Dr Caroline Paskell, with the Local Government Association This practice briefing outlines the key components of effective local action on child sexual exploitation. It draws on good practice examples to show how local authorities, police and other core agencies can work together to ensure young people are better protected, and victims of this abuse are better identified and supported.	Free
2012	Cutting them free: How is the UK progressing in protecting its children from sexual exploitation? by Policy, Research & Media To mark the anniversary of the Cut them free campaign we've published a new report Cutting them free: How is the UK progressing in protecting its children from sexual exploitation.	Free
2011	Not a world away: The sexual exploitation of children and young people in Northern Ireland by Dr Helen Beckett This research report indicates the prevalence and character of child sexual exploitation across Northern Ireland. It shows that this abuse affects both young females and young males. It also highlights how those with existing vulnerabilities experience a disproportionate risk.	Free
2011	Reducing the risk, cutting the cost: An assessment of the potential savings on Barnardo's interventions for young people who have been sexually exploited by Laura Blazey This research briefing outlines the potential cost implications of failing to protect children and young people from child sexual exploitation.	Free
2011	Puppet On A String - reveals the urgent need to cut children free from sexual exploitation This report outlines what is known about the scale and nature of sexual exploitation across the UK and points to some worrying new trends identified by Barnardo's 22 specialist services.	Free
2009	Whose Child Now? by Lisa Stacey Barnardo's report "Whose Child Now?" revisits the issue of child sexual exploitation 11 years on from our first report in 1998, 'Whose Daughter Next?'	Free
2007	Tipping the Iceberg by Julie Harris and Barbara Robinson A pan Sussex study of young people at risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking, the objective of this 12 month research was to establish the level and nature of current need for services amongst young people at risk of sexual exploitation in Sussex.	Free
2007	It Could be Anyone - Evaluation of London Prevention Education Programme (Child Sexual Exploitation) by Paula Skidmore and Barbara Robinson This evaluation reports on an education programme on child sexual exploitation, which used the Barnardo's Bwise2 Sexual Exploitation pack.	Free
2007	Blueprint of experience: Working to prevent and reduce child sexual exploitation in the UK, Netherlands and Estonia This report outlines lessons learned from European work with children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation.	Free
2007	Forgotten and failed This report examines what progress has been made in protecting children in London from sexual exploitation since 2005 when Barnardo¿s published their two year research ¿Meeting the needs of sexually exploited young people in London¿.	Free
2006	Protecting self and keeping safe by Mel Foley WINNER - Children & Young People's Services "Stay Safe Award" 2006. A pack of materials for social workers, teachers & youth leaders to use in delivering effective education on sexual exploitation.	£45.00
2005	Use of secure accommodation and alternative provisions for sexually exploited young people in Scotland by Chris Creegan, Sara Scott and Rachel Smith This report presents findings from research on the use of secure accommodation for young people involved in or at risk of involvement in sexual exploitation in Scotland.	Free
2004	Taking stock: Children and young people at risk of, or involved in, abuse through prostitution in Stockton-on-Tees by Crawley, Roberts and Shepherd In this research both adults and children make recommendations about service and practice developments in the area of sexual exploitation.	Free
2004	Daphne programme report - What works in child sexual exploitation: sharing and learning This report analysed and shared effective strategies for preventing child sexual exploitation and supporting victims in the UK and Netherlands.	Free
2001	No son of mine! Report by Tink Palmer Following on from our 'Whose daughter next?' report and film, this report draws attention to the sexual exploitation of boys and young men.	£3.99
1995	Splintered lives: Sexual exploitation of children in the context of children's rights and child protection by Liz Kelly, Rachel Wingfield, Shelia Burton and Linda Regan This 1995 report documents legislative, policy and practice responses to sexual exploitation and highlights gaps in knowledge.	Free
	Bwise2 Sexual Exploitation This pack equips teachers, social workers and counsellors to educate young people about sexual exploitation with honesty and realism.	£85.00
	Reducing the risk - Barnardo's support for sexually exploited young people. A two-year evaluation by Sara Scott and Paula Skidmore This report evaluates ten Barnardo's services that support young people involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation.	Free
	Meeting the needs of sexually exploited young people in London by Zoe Harper and Sara Scott Presenting the findings of a two year study into young people at risk of sexual exploitation, this research suggests only around half of those young people at risk are currently being identified or supported.	Free
	Nae Danger Made by young people who have been affected by sexual exploitation, Nae Danger looks at issues around risk and keeping safe.	£150.00
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