Child Sexual Exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when a person or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

This may be done:

• in exchange for something the child needs or wants 
• for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.
• it can involve violent, humiliating and degrading sexual assaults. In some cases, young people are persuaded or forced into exchanging sexual activity for money, drugs, gifts, affection or status. 
• the victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual.
• child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology
• legislation in the UK includes a number of sexual exploitation offences. 

These include:

• Paying for the sexual services of a child
• Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Arranging or facilitating child sexual exploitation
• Controlling a child in relation to sexual exploitation.
• Children who have been exploited in prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation are victims of abuse, and their needs require careful assessment.