Exploitation
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. It happens when a child or young person is coerced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activity. This is often in exchange for things they may want or need, such as gifts, drugs, money, status and affection.
Children and young people are often tricked into believing they are in a loving and consensual relationship, so the sexual activity may appear consensual.
Children and young people can be trafficked into or within the UK for sexual exploitation. They can be moved around the country; however sexual exploitation can also happen online.
Resources
Resources from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Assault (CSA):
- Signs and Indicators Template
- Supporting Parents and Carers Guide
- Managing Risk and Trauma after Online Sexual Offending
- Communicating with children: A guide for education professionals
- Communicating with children: A guide for those working with children who have or may have been sexually abused
- Support Matters 2025
Useful Organisations
See also: Child Sexual Abuse
Criminal Exploitation
Criminal exploitation is where children and young people are manipulated and coerced into committing crimes. They may be victims of violence or may be pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They may also get abused, be exploited, and be put into dangerous situations.
Resources
- NSPCC – Criminal exploitation and gangs
- Barnardo’s – Child Criminal Exploitation video
- Barnardo’s – 5 tips for talking to your child about their safety and wellbeing
- Action for Children – The Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children
Useful organisations
County lines
County Lines is a police term for urban gangs who exploit young people 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. This can involve children being trafficked away from their home area, staying in different accommodation, and selling and manufacturing drugs.
Resources
- Fearless ORG – Running the Lines video
- Cascade – Child Criminal Exploitation in Wales 2021