Exploitation
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation includes rape, prostitution, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts and sexual assault or acts which the adult has not consented or was pressured, threatened or coerced into consenting.
Resources
- Welsh Women’s Aid: Freedom from adult sexual exploitation?
- NHS Wales – How to access a sexual assault referral centre
Useful organisations
Criminal Exploitation (including sexual, criminal and county lines)
Criminal exploitation is the deliberate manipulation or abuse of power and control over another person. It is taking advantage of another person or situation for criminal purposes for personal gain. It can come in many forms such as slavery and being controlled by a person or group. Adults at risk are most likely to be exploited but anyone can be the target for criminal exploitation.
Resources
- Mate Crime information sheet
Useful organisations
County lines
County Lines is a police term for urban gangs who exploit people, who may vulnerable, into moving drugs from place to place. They are normally moved from a large city to other markets such as suburban areas and market and coastal towns using dedicated mobile phone lines or deal lines.
‘County Lines’ is an emerging national issue which poses a significant threat to communities and exploits the most vulnerable members of society. The gangs will often use a local property, generally belonging to a vulnerable person.
What are the Signs to look out for?
There are a number of signs that may indicate a person’s involvement in county lines activity, these include:
- Isolation from friends or social networks base for their activity. This is often acquired by force or coercion and is referred to as “cuckooing”
- Going missing and being found out of their home area
- Unexplained acquirement of money, clothes or mobile phones
- Receiving an excessive number of texts or phone calls
- Leaving home or care without explanation
- Suspicion of physical assault of unexplained injuries
- Carrying of weapons such as knives