Preventing and disrupting Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness (CSE) in Sussex is a high prioriy for all agencies. That is why a Pan Sussex CSE Campaign has been launched by Sussex Police in partnership with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards.
Over the next three months (from January 2016), the campaign is taking a three phased approach. In the first phase of the campaign, the aim is to increase awareness amongst the general public about CSE, as well as specifically targeting parents and carers with what they need to know about CSE. ‘Child Sexual Exploitation is happening in Sussex’ #StopCSE.
“I totally believed there was no one I could tell. He had convinced me he was the only person who really cared about me.” – Exploited child
“I just needed someone to ask why I had changed… I would have told them everything.”– Exploited child
“I just hoped that one day one of the men would be a real boyfriend, that he’d like me for the real me and that he’d want to save me. But it never happened.” – Young victim, quoted by Barnardo’s
Many people have heard about CSE happening in other parts of the country but find it hard to believe it’s happening in their own area. The truth is that CSE is happening in Sussex and we all need to know about it. Being aware of it is the first step towards putting a stop to it.
It’s never the child’s fault
CSE is a crime that can affect any child, anytime, anywhere, regardless of their social or ethnic background. CSE can be carried out by individuals, by street gangs or by groups. It can be motivated by money or by sexual gratification. But in all cases, there is an imbalance of power – vulnerable children are controlled and abused by adults or by other children.
The grooming process
Perpetrators gain control over children by grooming them, offering excitement, drugs, alcohol, gifts and affection. At first, this control may take the guise of ‘romance’ or ‘friendship’.
But once a child does something – even something really small – that they know they might get ‘in trouble’ for, they become vulnerable to blackmail. As the exploitation gets worse, terrifying threats and violence may be used to keep children compliant. They are sexually exploited not just by the original perpetrators but often by many other abusers.
It’s a trap
Exploited children are trapped because they often believe the abuse is their own fault – they fear they will be blamed or punished if they tell anyone what is happening. They are ashamed of what they are forced to do and are scared they will not be believed.
In many cases, children believe they are in a loving relationship with their exploiter. What’s more the perpetrator will do everything they can to isolate children further by convincing them that their families do not really understand or love them.
Look out for the warning signs
Changes in a child’s behaviour:
Relationships with older men and/or women (although not all perpetrators are older).
Absence from school; repeatedly running away from home.
New, expensive items that they couldn’t afford, such as mobile phones, iPods or jewellery – as well as ‘invisible’ or ‘virtual’ gifts such as phone credit and online gaming credits.
Looks tired or unwell and sleeps at unusual hours
Has marks or scars on their body, which they try to hide.
Involvement in crime, use of drugs and alcohol
Entering or leaving vehicles
What to do if you are concerned about a child?
Call the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub in Brighton & Hove on 01273 290400
What is Sexual Exploitation (WiSE) Project: 01273 333550
If you have concerns that a child might be at risk of CSE, call Sussex Police on 101 in an emergency always dial 999
Has needs met within universal provision. May need limited intervention within the setting to avoid needs arising.
Has additional needs identified within the setting that can be met within identified resources through a single agency response and partnership working.
Has multiple needs requiring a multi-agency coordinated response.
Has a high level of unmet & complex needs, or is in need of protection.