Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
CSE can happen to boys as well as girls, from rich and poor backgrounds, of any ethnicity and anywhere in the world, including here in Hampshire.
- What is CSE
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Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is when a child or young person (anyone under the age of 18), engages in sexual activity as a result of receiving something such as food, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, accommodation, drugs, money, or affection.
It’s a process of grooming where the abuser targets a child’s vulnerability. They make them feel loved or wanted, as though the relationship is normal, when in fact the child is being controlled through intimidation, fear or violence.
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of CSE
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Children and young people that are the victims of sexual exploitation often do not recognise that they are being exploited.
Some signs that a child may be being groomed for sexual exploitation to be alert for are:
- going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
- regularly missing school or not taking part in education
- appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions
- associating with other young people involved in exploitation
- having older boyfriends or girlfriends
- suffering from sexually transmitted infections
- mood swings or changes in emotional wellbeing
- drug and alcohol misuse
- displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour
- Report Child Sexual Exploitation
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It's important that if you recognise any signs or symptoms of abuse that you report your concerns, no matter how small.