What Happens in CSE

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) could happen to any young person.

It doesnt’ matter what community, background or religion you are from, CSE can happen to boys and girls. It’s important to remember it is never ever your fault.

How does it happen?

The person or people who want to abuse you will try to befriend you, build up a friendship / relationship with you and try to get you to trust them.  You might meet them through your family, friends,  at school or when you’re  ‘hanging out ‘ out with your friends, or on-line. These people can be very clever, they know that young people like to meet with their friends in places such as the local park, cinema, shopping centres or fast food outlets.

However you don’t always have to meet them face to face, they might be someone you meet online.

They might try to isolate you from your family, friends and other people who care about you because it’s easier to control you and make you do things if you have nobody to talk to.

As they gain more power and control over you they might threaten to hurt you or your family and friends if you don’t do what they want.

Take a look at our warning signs of CSE for more information on what to look out for.

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: NSPCC - CSE
  
• w: Barnardos - CSE
  
• w: Kayleigh's Love Story