There are a number of signs to look out for if you suspect your child is being sexually or criminally exploited.
(Please note that these signs do not necessarily mean you child is being exploited but they are common signs that would be noticeable for parents when it does happen).
- Receiving unexplained gifts/items (keep a note of these including times and dates)
- Poor attendance at school/Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)
- Concerns of phone use in placement or at school
- Bullying others
- Going missing and returning home late
- Methods of transport used, including being picked up by unknown vehicles/unknown adults, use of taxies alone and use at odd hours, visiting unknown areas both in and out of Rotherham
- Signs of drug-related debts or drug taking equipment
- Sexual health issues
- Returning home with injuries (keep a note of when this happens)
- Attending A&E
- Change in presentation, emotional and becoming moody, presenting as unkempt, or out of character dressed up, having new expensive clothing such as expensive trainers
- Emotional dysregulation, do they appear angry/withdrawn/upset/stressed?
- Self-harm
- Increased conflict
- Having additional phones in their possession
- Have any concerning conversations been overheard on the phone?
- Concerns raised by friends, neighbours or the local community
- Possessing weapons
- Speaking to others online who are unknown to them and arranging to meet them
- Expressions around invincibility or not caring about what happens – ‘others have their back’
- Being secretive about their phone use or having increased contact with others online
- Getting arrested for crimes
- Change in mood,appearance or behaviour
- Becoming withdrawn from social networks and not mixing with their usual friends
What is Child Exploitation?
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
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.
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
Another person or persons manipulate, deceive, coerce, or control the person to undertake activity which constitutes a criminal offence where the person is under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual (Modern Slavery Act 2015).
Child Exploitation Strategy 2024-2029
The strategy sets out how organisations in Rotherham will keep children and young people safe from child exploitation over the next five years.
The new strategy will address a number of local priorities. This includes continuing to ensure there is an effective response to tackling exploitation through effective early identification and prevention services embedded in communities, the right learning and development offer for all relevant organisations and community groups, ensuring robust safeguarding processes and systems are in place, the continued provision of support to victims and survivors of exploitation, and identifying offenders of exploitation to bring them to justice.
External Resources
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP)
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with your children online? Make a report to one of CEOP's Child Protection Advisors.
CEOP provides practical information about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation for children, young people, and their parents, carers and professionals.