Exploitation
What is Exploitation?
Exploitation is when you are being taken advantage of so that someone else can benefit. It is when you are pressurised, forced or tricked into doing something that you do not want to do. This might be having sex, carrying drugs or stealing.
Sometimes it is really clear that you are being exploited. Sometimes it can be more difficult to know or realise because people will trick you into thinking that what is happening is nice, fun, good for you, or that you owe someone so you feel you need to do what they ask.
Traffickers and others who exploit young people are very skilful at becoming your friend and building a relationship with you so that they can exploit you. You might have heard it being called ‘grooming’.
People might threaten you with violence if you say no. Or sometimes they might not be violent, but they can try to get you to do things in other ways – for example, making you feel really guilty or buying you gifts and presents.
Definitions +
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) 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. The child 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 such as social media and gaming apps.
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is when a child under the age of 18 is encouraged, expected or required to take part in any activity that constitutes a criminal offence under British law. Where a child is criminally exploited there may also be the use of violence or fear of violence towards the child or their family. Use of violence or fear of violence does not need to be present for a child to be criminally exploited.
County lines is a form of criminal exploitation. It is when criminals befriend children, either online or offline, and manipulate them into drug dealing or an associated activity across geographical areas.
(With thanks to Barnardo’s for the above definitions).
How do I know if I am being exploited? +
There are few different types of exploitation, however, there are lots of important signs to look for that might help you to recognise if it’s happening to you.
- Have you met a new group of people, who started off acting like friends, but now they’re making you do things that you don’t think are right?
- Maybe they are older and are suddenly showing you lots of attention?
- Giving you nice things, like new clothes or a new mobile phone?
- Asking, or forcing, you to do things that you don’t want to do?
- Are they encouraging you to keep secrets, or lie about where you are and what you are doing?
- Maybe you feel like you have to do certain things to keep someone happy? Do they flip if you say no?
- Is it getting harder to see your friends and family?
- Are you being threatened?
- Maybe you, or one of your friends, has a new boyfriend or girlfriend who can seem a bit controlling one minute and then really loving the next?
- Is someone encouraging you to drink alcohol or take drugs?
- Do you feel you can’t be yourself? You have to behave differently and this makes you feel uncomfortable?
Is my friend being exploited? +
Are you worried about a friend? There are some key signs that you can look out for that might tell you that something’s not right:
- Are they late a lot or not around when you expect them to be?
- Do they have unexplained gifts, or things like new clothes and more money than usual?
- Are they spending more time than usual on their phone, or using it secretively?
- Are they regularly drunk or taking drugs?
- Are they spending time with much older people they say are friends?
- Are they being picked up from home or school by someone you don’t know? Maybe someone much older?
- Are they into different hobbies and activities?
- Has the way they dress changed?
- Do they have unexplained bruises or injuries?
- Could they be self-harming?
What to do if you are worried
Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
Talking can help you get a handle on whether what you feel is right and whether other people think it's OK.
Remember: if you’re being exploited, it is never your fault and you’re not alone. Responsibility always lies with those who target or groom children to sexually abuse or exploit.
How can I get help?
If you think you or a friend are being exploited or abused
- You can contact the police direct on 101 or 999 if you are in immediate danger.
- You can ring Childline for help and advice on 0800 11 11.
- You can contact local services
You will speak to people who are specially trained to listen to what you are worried about.
They can give you advice or make decisions about what to do to help you (or the person you are worried about) to be safe.
Barnardo's Exceed offers independent support and information for young people aged 8 to 25 across Devon and Cornwall who are experiencing or might experience sexual exploitation.
More Information
CE the signs: You may have noticed that we are running a campaign to raise everyone's awareness of exploitation... here is a link to posters and videos that you might want to look at or see if you can put up at school or in your community.
