Sexual exploitation

Children involved in prostitution are victims of abuse and sexual exploitation. They may believe that they are making informed choices, but are usually coerced into such a lifestyle by others. For example, it is common for a girl to think that the pimp who controls every aspect of her life is her boyfriend and she remains loyal to him despite the fact that he forces her to have sex with many men and beats her if she refuses. Similarly, boys abused through prostitution rarely see themselves as victims of abusive sexual behaviour.

The true extent of abuse of children and young people through prostitution is unknown because most activity takes place behind closed doors. The hidden nature of this heinous crime makes it easier for abusing adults to continue enslaving and selling children. The internet and mobile phones have also unfortunately made this sickening ‘trade’ in children easier as it is now possible to watch as children are abused.

The facts

• We work with girls as young as ten and boys as young as eleven who are known to have been abused through prostitution
• The horrific abuse these children suffer can be extreme; they are raped, sexually assaulted, suffer bruises, burns and broken bones
• The pain of children’s experiences often shows itself in self-destructive behaviour such as self-mutilation, overdosing and eating disorders.

How Barnardo's helps

Barnardo’s runs 29 sexual exploitation projects that offer a safe, confidential environment where young people can go for help, advice and support. They provide food, bath and laundry facilities as well as advice and information on accommodation, careers, contraception, sexual health and drug use.

Our project workers actively seek out the young people, offering them someone to talk to and the long-term support they need if they want to change their way of life. The projects also work extremely closely with the police to bring about the prosecution of the perpetrators of sexual exploitation. Our research suggests that what we do to help young people who are sexually exploited does work.

We also campaign to raise awareness of the issues and our efforts have influenced the government to change law and policy throughout the UK. This includes the Sexual Offences Act 2003 which was the first major overhaul of sexual offences legislation for more than a century.

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