Both girls and boys are at risk of sexual exploitation. It can take many forms and can involve the offer of accommodation, gifts, and other enticements in return for sexual activities.

Child sexual exploitation through prostitution is a form of abuse by which a child or young person is coerced or manipulated to engage in sexual activities either in return for something or for the profit of others. This is seriously harmful to children both emotionally and physically. 

Children and young people do not become involved voluntarily, they are forced or tempted into the situation by abusive adults or peers who present themselves as their ‘friend’ or ‘boyfriend’.

Children and young people find it very hard to understand or accept that they are being abused through sexual exploitation, and this increases their risk of being exposed to violent assault and life threatening events by those who abuse them.

Risk factors include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Being bullied and/or vulnerable to bullying.
• Unstable family relationships/violence and abuse/conflict with parents/carers.
• Being looked after by the care system.
• Truanting/ or being excluded from school.
• Drugs and alcohol issues.
• Staying out late.
• Abduction.
• Depression and self harm.
• Becoming involved with controlling and risky boyfriend/adults.

Sexual exploitation deprives children and young people of their childhood, self esteem and life chances through education and training. Their emotional and physical well being is compromised and their experiences often result in self destructive behaviors such as eating disorders, mental health issues, self mutilation and loathing, crime and attempts at ending their own lives.

As well as parents and teachers, those working in the community with young people are in a prime position to spot the signs that may indicate that a child is being sexually exploited and to take the relevant action.

Possible signs include:

• Noticeable changes in behaviour - becoming secretive, defensive or aggressive when asked about their personal life.
• Wearing inappropriate clothing that is too adult or revealing for their age.
• Frequently staying out late or overnight with no explanation as to where they have been.
• Going places that you know they can not afford.
• Suddenly acquiring expensive gifts such as mobile phones, jewellery – even drugs – and not being able to explain how they came by them.
• Repeated truanting.
• Getting into trouble with the police.
• Bruises, marks on the body, sexually-transmitted diseases, pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse or self-harm.
• Repeated phone calls, letters, emails from adults outside family social circle.
• Strangers hanging about outside your home.
• Young people getting into cars with adults that are unknown to them.
• Associating with other young people known to be victims of sexual exploitation.
• Friends at school express concern for them.

If you have a concern about a child it is being sexuallly exploited it is important to report it to the necessary authorities.

If you are worried that a child or young person is in danger of serious harm from sexual exploitation or any other form of abuse, call the police immediately on 999.