Child sexual exploitation (CSE) can affect any child and young person, regardless of their background, culture, gender, age or ethnicity.

It is a type of abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.

It sees children and young people under 18 involved in exploitative situations and relationships where the young person receives something (e.g. accommodation, drugs, alcohol, affection, gifts) as a result of them performing, and/or another performing on them, sexual activities.

It can also occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition, such as being persuaded to post images on the internet or messages on mobile phones.

While CSE can happen anywhere in any community, there have been efforts locally to raise awareness among taxi and private hire vehicle companies, bars, nightclubs, fast food takeaways as well as hotels.

The exploiters, who sometimes work in groups, are organised and deliberate in their actions and use sophisticated tactics.

Grooming can take place in many forms both online using social media, via mobile phones, or in person.

Often the grooming starts with friendship or a relationship.  The victim may be misguided in to thinking the adult is their boyfriend/girlfriend.  The offender may supply gifts such clothes, money, mobiles phones or other presents. 

They may also supply drugs and alcohol. Sometimes the victims are given lifts and transported around.

Over time, the offender will usually encourage the child to distance themselves from their usual family and friends.

Soon in to the friendship/relationship, sexual assault or rape may occur.  The victim may feel pressured to have sex because they are in a relationship or because they feel threatened or frightened. 

Sex may involve one person or they may be forced to have sex with several adults or be passed around the group.

The child may not always realise they are being groomed and may even believe they are a willing participant, when they are anything but.