How to Identify CSE

The statutory definition of CSE is as follows:

"Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where 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 the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology."

CSE can take place in various different forms and recent high profile reports and enquiries (e.g. Rotherham and Rochdale) have focused largely on one form of CSE where young women were groomed by older men and exploited on an organised level.

It is important to bear in mind that children can also be exploited by their peers, and by family members. Young women affected by/involved in gangs are also at significant risk of being sexually exploited. 

• List of vulnerability factors and risk indicators
• DfE's guidance "Child sexual exploitation: definition and guide for practitioners"

CSE can be difficult to identify as children often do not recognise that they are being sexually exploited, many children will have been subjected to a grooming process whereby the person exploiting them has employed various techniques to make the child believe that they are consenting to the situation.

Children who are experiencing CSE may also have a lack of distrust in authority figures or may display behavioural issues at school and all efforts should be made by professionals to explore the reasons why the child is displaying such behaviours.

The Office of the Children's Commissioner identified in their enquiry into CSE that children at risk of/experiencing CSE are often described as "putting themselves at risk", "prostituting themselves" and "promiscuous", these terms suggest the child is complicit in and/or to blame for the abuse they experience and should be avoided.

It has been acknowledged by the Office of the Children's Commissioner, LSCB and Ofsted that this language and prevailing attitudes have led to systematic failings to protect and safeguard children at risk of child sexual exploitation.

What to do if you are concerned that a child is at risk of/experiencing CSE

If as a professional you believe that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm or have any other child protection concerns do not delay and contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team to discuss your concerns, and follow in writing on the Multi Agency Referral Form (MARF).

Telephone: 020 8496 2310 (Monday - Thursday 9am-5.15pm and Fri 9am-5pm)
Out of Hours Tel: 020 8496 3000
Fax: 020 8496 2313
Email: MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

There are several local specialist services who can provide advice and guidance to professionals and also direct support to children where there are concerns about CSE. For further information on these services, or for further advice about CSE you can contact the Borough's Child Sexual Exploitation Coordinator Lisa Witherden 

Telephone: 07715 901256
Email: lisa.witherden@walthamforest.gov.uk

How Schools can raise awareness of of CSE.

Responding to Sexting and Managing Sexting Incidents

The websites and documents below offer advice on responding to sexting incidents in your schools or colleges.

• The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) has produced advice for schools and colleges on responding to incidents of 'sexting.' The advice aims to support them in tackling the range of issues which these incidents present including responding to disclosures, handling devices and imagery, risk assessing situations and involving other agencies. The advice also contains information about preventative education, working with parents and reporting imagery to providers.
• The resources area of the Thinkuknow website has additional support around how to respond to incidences of sexting in schools.
• UK Safer Internet Centre has support about responding to sexting and managing sexting incidents, including this managing sexting info-graphic.