Child Sexual Exploitation

Question 1

Explain Child Sexual Exploitation

Answer 1

Coercion or manipulation of children and young people into taking part in sexual activities.
Form of sexual abuse involving exchange of some form of payment (money, clothes, drugs, mobile, alcohol, place to stay, affection).
The grooming process renders them powerless to recognise exploitation.

Question 2

Define CSE

Answer 2

CSE is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when an individual 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

a) In exchange for something they need or want AND
b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator

The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears CONSENSUAL.

(CSE does not always need to have physical contact and can occur through use of technology).

Question 3

What is CSE?

Answer 3

CHILD ABUSE

POWER IMBALANCE (GENDER, INTELLIGENCE, STRENGTH, ECONOMIC FACTORS)

SWAPPING SEX FOR FOOD, GIFTS, ACCOMMODATION, AFFECTION

THROUGH USE OF VIOLENCE, COERCION, INTIMIDATION.

Question 4

What are the three types of CSE

Answer 4

Inappropriate relationships

The fake relationship model

Organised exploitation and trafficking

Question 5

Explain the ‘inappropriate relationship

Answer 5

Usually involving one perpetrator who has inappropriate power or control over a young person (physical, emotional, financial).

Indicator includes a significant age gap.
Person may believe they are in a loving relationship.

Question 6

Explain the fake relationship

Answer 6

Perpetrator befriends and grooms young person into a relationship then coerces or forces them to have sex with friends or associates

Question 7

Explain the organised network/organised exploitation and trafficking

Answer 7

Young people (often connected) passed through networks between towns and cities and forced/coerced into sexual activity with multiple men.
Young people involved often used to recruit.
Serious and organised crime.

Question 8

What actions should be taken by officers if identifying an inappropriate relationship?

Answer 8

Positive action.
Obtain details of both parties and carry out checks.
Intelligence submission.
Submit a PPD1
Liaise with PPU

Question 9

Explain the two areas CSE can be separated into

Answer 9

1. Sexual exploitation through street grooming.
   Grooming child for sexual purposes. Perpetrator gaining their trust, giving drugs, gifts, affection, asks them to perform sexual acts as a favour or in exchange for something.

2.Online sexual exploitation.
Abuse through production of indecent images, videos etc. Grooming children online for purpose of sexually abusing them. Can involve adults pretending to me children. Eventually arranging to meet the child in person for purpose of sexually abusing them.

Question 10

What is the difference between a paedophile and a heabophile?

Answer 10

Paedophile - Person has a long term sexual interest in children under 11.
Haebophile - Sexual interest in children over 11.

Question 11

Describe a CSE offender

Answer 11

More than one type
Any age gender, ethnicity
Children can be used to recruit and coerce victims into CSE

Grooms victims to manipulate =
Distance from friends and family to control
Increases dependence on the perpetrator
Uses flattery and attention to persuade victim
Psychology similar to domestic abuse offender

Question 12

List factors that make a child more vulnerable to CSE

Answer 12

Chaotic or dysfunctional household
Unaware of sexual orientation
Homelessness
Low self esteem
History of abuse
Learning disabilities
Recent bereavement or loss
Friends who are CSE victims
Lacking friends of the same age group

Question 13

What are signs and behaviours in a child that suggest CSE is taking place?

Answer 13

Evidence of drug/alcohol use
Unexplained injuries
Self harm/suicidal tendencies
Unexplained gifts, new possession
Truancy
Displaying inappropriate sexualized behaviour
Going missing, returning home late
Estranged from family

Question 14

Why teenagers in CSE?

Answer 14

Secretive nature
Sex offenders identify vulnerabilities
Teenagers separate from their attachments and seek new attachments

Question 15

What are the x4 steps in the controlling process of CSE?

Answer 15

Grooming - Controlling - Pursuing - Sharing

Question 16

What actions can police take as officers in relation to CSE?

Answer 16

IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SUSPECTS

PNC + PND CHECKS ON POTENTIAL OFFENDERS

CHECK CSE FLAGS OF OFFENDER + VICTIM

CHILD PROTECTION REGISTER CHECKS

SEARCH OF MISPERS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS

SUBMISSION OF INTELLIGENCE LOGS

LINK ALL KNOWN ASSOCIATES AND ADDRESSES TO THE OCCURRENCE

PPN SUBMISSION

Question 17

What are the x2 types of CAWN’S?

Answer 17

S2 Child Abduction Act 1984
If child is under 16

S49 Children Act 1989
If the child is under 18 and in local authority care

Question 18

Explain the police power of protecting children in relation to CAWN

Answer 18

• CAWNS are issued to suspects who are believed to place children at risk of offences being committed against them.
• CAWN is a safeguarding measure
• Active case building in first stage or potential prosecution

Question 19

What is the criteria for issuing a CAWN

Answer 19

Child under 16 or under 18 and in local authority care.

Reported missing and found on x2 or more occasions in company of suspect

Reports have suggested behaviour and associated with suspect is giving significant cause for concern

Question 20

There is no specific offence of CSE so what offences can be linked to CSE?

Answer 20

UNDER 13

Offences against children

Sexual activity with a child under 13

Rape

Assault by penetration

Sexual assault

UNDER 16

Sexual activity with a child
Causing or inciting to engage in sexual activity
Causing a child to watch a sexual act
Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence
Meeting a child following sexual grooming

Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

Question 21

Explain the SERAF framework

Answer 21

Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Framework

Completed by social workers or other third sector i.e Barnardos.

Aim is to identify children and young people at risk or abused through sexual exploitation.
Manages information about children at risk.
Gathers intelligence and monitors extent of the issue.
Identifies appropriate interventions and safeguarding actions.

Question 22

What questions would officer need to ask self when dealing with CSE incidents?

Answer 22

Have I fully investigated?

Have I considered all wider safeguarding concerns?

Have I done everything in power to protect vulnerable children?

Have I recorded all actions and rationale for decision making?

Question 23

List impacts of CSE

Answer 23

struggle with trust and be fearful of forming new relationships

become isolated from family and friends

fail exams or drop out of education

become pregnant at a young age

experience unemployment

have mental health problems

make suicide attempts

abuse alcohol and drugs

take part in criminal behaviour

experience homelessness.