Sexual Exploitation
Any victim of sexual exploitation has rights, and we are here to help ensure they are enforced, helping to provide some sort of justice for what has happened to them.
What is sexual exploitation?
Sexual exploitation is defined as a type of abuse where both adults and children are exploited for money, power or status. Such things like prostitution of children, child pornography and the sale and trafficking of children.
Sexual exploitation and abuse
When sexual exploitation occurs it’s likely that the victim has been tricked into believing that they are in a loving and consensual relationship. However, they’re being manipulated for the abusers own personal gain.
While child sexual exploitation can be a serious organised crime, it can also fall into the category of abuse in relationships. It might be something as simple as an exchange of a sexual act for something that the child needs or wants, such as a place to sleep, a gift or even attention.
When it comes to tackling child sexual exploitation part of the problem is that the victims involved may not understand that non-consensual sex is rape. Even more so when they believe that they’re in a relationship with their groomer.
Which children are affected by sexual exploitation?
The reality is that any child or young person can become the victim of sexual exploitation, however there are groups of children that may be at a greater risk of this. These children are usually:
- Homeless
- Have suffered a recent bereavement or loss
- In care
- Have feelings of low self-esteem
- A young carer
Signs of child sexual exploitation
It can be difficult to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation, even more so if the child is being threatened by their abuser or groomer. Knowing these signs could make the biggest difference in a young person’s life.
- They consistently skip school or are disruptive in class
- They go missing for long periods of time or get home late past their curfew
- You notice that they have certain items that can’t be accounted for
- They suffer with health issues that could be the result of a sexually transmitted disease
- They use drugs and/or alcohol
- Their mood swings can be quite severe
- They show signs of physical harm like bruises or burns
- They start to display inappropriate sexual behaviour
Young witnesses and victims of sexual exploitation are unlikely to come forward on their own accord because it’s likely they’ve been threatened or intimidated by their abuser and groomer.
If you are ready to discuss what has happened to you then please do get in touch with us today, we’re here to listen to you and give you the help that you need. We can provide some justice to what has happened to you, giving you the chance to move on with your life.