Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse and can take many forms including when a young person is manipulated, deceived or forced into taking part in a sexual act.  This may involve informal exchange of something a child wants or needs such as gifts or attention.

Did you know:

• It can still be abuse even if the sexual activity appears to be consensual
• It can take place in person or technology or a combination of both
• It can be perpetrated by individuals, groups, males, females, children or adults

CSE may take place without physical contact.  This may take place in the form of:

• Grooming via social networking, dating websites or mobile phone applications
• Encouraging, persuading or forcing someone to post indecent images online

Signs that a young person may be at risk:

• Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
• Skipping school
• Inappropriate friendships with adults or older teenagers
• Unexplained money or gifts
• Unexplained injuries or sexually transmitted infections
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Low self-esteem/self-harming/mental health concerns
• Sudden changes in behaviour/appearance/friends

CSE can happen to any young person regardless of gender, sexuality, background or ethnicity.

If you are concerned about a young person please contact the Solihull Children’s Social Work Services by calling the team on 0121 788 4333.  Alternatively you can contact the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000.

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger please ring the police on 999.