Child Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation affects thousands of children and young people every year.  Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) can be hard to detect and abusers are very clever in their manipulation.  Some young people won’t even be aware that it is happening to them.  

Barnardo's and The Children's Society have specialist Child Sexual Exploitation workers who works specifically with young people at risk of sexual exploitation. The CSE worker works with parents to increase their awareness and understanding of the risk and indicators of sexual exploitation and is helping to identify the issue of sexual exploitation in Hartlepool in Stockton-on-Tees. 

Some of the signs of CSE can be:

• Unhealthy or inappropriate sexual behaviour.
• Being frightened of some people, places or situations.
• Being secretive.
• Sharp changes in mood or character.
• A sudden change in their family relationships/dynamics.
• Having money or things they can't or won't explain, such as hotel key cards or unexplained gifts.
• Physical signs of abuse, like bruises or bleeding in their genital or anal area.
• Sudden change in physical appearance including clothes and hygiene levels.
• Alcohol or drug misuse.
• Sexually transmitted infections.
• A sudden and urgent request to go onto contraception or to obtain the ‘morning after pill’.
• Pregnancy.

For more help, information and support, visit the NSPCC website.