Signs a child or young person is being sexually exploited
This is not an easy topic to discuss but with so many stories being published from the ‘Jimmy Saville Case’ to the ‘Lost Prophets case’ to the grooming rings found in places like Rochdale, one thing this confirms is sexual exploitation and grooming DOES exist and it does so right across society.
It is important to strike whilst the iron is hot, if you work with children or young people in any capacity it is important you are aware of any signs.
The following list of indicators is not exhaustive or definitive but it does highlight common signs which can assist professionals in identifying children or young people who may be victims of sexual exploitation.
Signs include:
underage sexual activity
inappropriate sexual or sexualised behaviour
sexually risky behaviour, ‘swapping’ sex
repeat sexually transmitted infections
in girls, repeat pregnancy, abortions, miscarriage
receiving unexplained gifts or gifts from unknown sources
having multiple mobile phones and worrying about losing contact via mobile
having unaffordable new things (clothes, mobile) or expensive habits (alcohol, drugs)
changes in the way they dress
going to hotels or other unusual locations to meet friends
seen at known places of concern
moving around the country, appearing in new towns or cities, not knowing where they are
getting in/out of different cars driven by unknown adults
having older boyfriends or girlfriends
contact with known perpetrators
involved in abusive relationships, intimidated and fearful of certain people or situations
hanging out with groups of older people, or anti-social groups, or with other vulnerable peers
associating with other young people involved in sexual exploitation
recruiting other young people to exploitative situations
truancy, exclusion, disengagement with school, opting out of education altogether
unexplained changes in behaviour or personality (chaotic, aggressive, sexual)
injuries from physical assault, physical restraint, sexual assault.
These signs have been drawn from a range of research (Barnardo’s, 2011; CEOP, 2011; Berelowitz et al, 2012) and from our experience working with sexually exploited children and young people through a known children’s charity.
It is positive that more cases are reaching court and convictions are being made, but unfortunately I believe we are only scratching the surface and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure we protect children from these perpetrators.