Child sexual abuse and exploitation: support for parents and carers

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected. We support thousands of children and young people who have experienced child sexual abuse (CSA) and child sexual exploitation (CSE).  

We also provide care for their families, as well as training and guidance for people who work with children such as teachers and social workers.   

If you’re concerned about a child, you’re not alone.  

Child sexual abuse (CSA) means any situation where someone under 18 is coerced, manipulated or forced into sexual activity. It can happen in many settings, carried out by someone they know or a stranger, in person or online. It includes contact activities, such as sexual assault, and non‑contact activities including watching sexual content, being shown images, or being encouraged to behave in sexually inappropriate ways (Home Office, 2023). 

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It happens where there is a power imbalance and an individual or group uses that imbalance to force or coerce a child to engage in sexual activity. 

It can involve situations, contexts or relationships in which a person under 18 is given something, such as food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts or money in return for performing sexual activities or having sexual activities performed on them. It can also involve violence, coercion and intimidation, with threats of physical harm or humiliation. 

Exploitation can also target emotional needs, such as the desire to feel loved, important, in control, or a sense of belonging. It may involve meeting needs related to self-esteem or safety, such as wanting to feel protected from harm or to escape threats or abuse. 

It’s important to remember a child may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual.  

Child sexual exploitation can be physical or take place through things like social media or gaming apps. Whether it is online, offline or a combination of the two it's important that people recognise that exploitation is child sexual abuse and should be seen as such. 

Any child, regardless of gender, background, or family situation, can be targeted. That means it can happen to boys as well as girls, and it’s not always easy to spot. Some children may be more vulnerable, including those with additional needs, those in care, or those experiencing difficulties at home or school, but it can happen to any child.   

Sometimes, other young people, not just adults, can be responsible for this kind of abuse, so peer-on-peer exploitation, especially online, is something to be aware of. 

Children may not always realise what’s happening to them is abuse. Even when they do, feelings of fear, shame, or confusion can make it extremely difficult for them to talk about what’s going on. That’s why it’s so important for the adults around them to notice changes in behaviour, mood, or wellbeing that could signal something is wrong. 

For some children there will be no signs at all. They also may not be any outward physical signs of abuse, but some things you may notice in your child are:  

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries. 

• Signs of sexually transmitted or urinary tract infections. 

• Changes in their emotional state, such as increased fear, anxiety or anger or being less able to regulate their emotions. 

• Increased secrecy, hiding phone or online use. 

• Behaving in ways that are beyond typical sexual behaviours for their age or showing knowledge beyond what you’d expect. 

• Having things such as money, phones or expensive clothes when you don’t know how they bought them. 

• Changes in their usual habits, for example around eating or how they engage with friends. 

• Discomfort with touch, with their body, or avoiding certain situations. 

• Issues with their mental health, emotional wellbeing or self-esteem. 

• Changes in behaviour, such as suddenly becoming withdrawn or isolated, or distrusting others  

• Being away from home or school where you don’t know where they are. 

This is not an exhaustive list of the signs of abuse and exploitation. If something feels off, it's worth exploring and seeking support. 

We’ve got some advice on talking to your child about their safety and wellbeing and we’ve put information about organisations you can go to for support below. 

Situations that can increase the risk of harm 

Every family is different, and none of these things automatically mean a child is unsafe. But there are some situations that can make children more vulnerable and may be worth paying attention to. Being aware of them simply helps you feel more confident in spotting when a child might need a bit of extra support. 

• When families are isolated or don’t have many trusted adults around them. 

• When a supportive parent or carer isn’t present or keeping an eye on what a child or teenager is getting up to, or relationships at home feel tense or unsettled. 

• When an adult who worries you is involved with the family, even if they seem like a friend. 

• When the family is under a lot of pressure, including stressful life events or past trauma. 

• When a parent or carer is struggling with things like mental health or substance use. 

These factors don’t mean something is happening, they’re things that might mean a child might need a little more attention, reassurance, or care. If you’re ever unsure or want to talk things through, support is always available. You’re not alone. 

If you think a child is being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999. If you think a crime has been committed, you can call them on 101. 

You can also contact the child’s social care team at their local council.  

• If you’re in England find out how to report concerns about child abuse to a local council. 

• Find out about reporting a concern in Scotland. 

• View a list of local councils in Northern Ireland. 

• How to report suspected abuse, neglect or harm in Wales. 

If you’re worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with your child online, you can report it to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) command, part of the National Crime Agency.   

We’ve got more information for parents and carers on harmful sexual behaviour and how to provide care, support and protection to children at risk of, or who have been harmed by, child sexual exploitation.  

You can also contact charity NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected] for advice and information. 

• The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse has a directory of services in England and Wales for those affected by child sexual abuse. 

• Rape Crisis Scotland have a helpline for people aged 13+.  They also have a directory of local Rape Crisis centres in Scotland. If you’re concerned about a younger child, charity Children First have a helpline if you live in Scotland. 

• If you’re in Northern Ireland our SEEN (Sexual Exploitation Ends Now) service can direct you to support available locally. 

• The NSPCC also have information and advice on child sexual exploitation on their website. 

We've been supporting children and young people affected by sexual abuse since 1994. We help children and their families recover and rebuild, and we campaign for lasting change to how society understands and responds to abuse. 

We support children and their families in different ways including:  

• support services, including those that support children who have displayed peer abuse and exploitation. 

• therapeutic services, including specialist counselling. 

• emotional and mental health support. 

• guidance through the criminal justice process. 

• research that amplifies the voices of children and their families. 

• professional training and resources to help adults support children. 

• campaigning to influence government policies and decisions. 

• raising public awareness about the realities of sexual abuse and exploitation. 

Every step we take is informed by the experiences of children and young people, ensuring their voices shape how we work and the change we advocate for

All of the information on this page was created with practising health professionals. This page was reviewed in December 2025. We will next review the page in 2028.