What is Listen to my Story

Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It happens when an individual or group (offender) takes advantage by manipulating a child or young person (victim) under the age of 18 into sexual activity. This can be for two reasons:

(1) In exchange for something the young person needs or wants

(2) To gain money or increased status of the offender.

You can still be sexually exploited even if you have given consent and it does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology through social media and Apps.

How does this differ to Criminal Exploitation?

Criminal exploitation is when a child or young person (victim) is forced to become involved in criminal activity by another young person or adult (offender).
Similarly the young person becomes involved in this type of activity so they can recieve items such as gifts, money or drugs. It can also happen if that young person is looking to escape from certain situations at home or in their personal life e.g. parents splitting up.As part of the control the offender has, the threat of violence means that the young person is expected to take full responsibility for their actions even if they are caught by the police.