Child sexual abuse

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It happens when someone tricks, manipulates or forces you to into sexual activity.

This person may behave like they are your friend, boyfriend or girlfriend. They could be your age, older, male or female. You may have known them a long time or they may be a new friend.

You may have met this person online or through friends. But something is telling you this is not right, you need to listen to that feeling. They may:

• make you have sex or perform sexual acts on them or other people
• blackmail you with pictures they have of you
• make you watch things you do not want to see
• encourage you to take and send naked images of yourself
• encourage you to drink alcohol or take drugs
• touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
• offer you a place to stay
• offer you gifts, drugs, clothes, mobile phone

They may make you feel as though they:

• love you
• care about you
• respect you like an adult

Although they make you feel special, they may also:

• make you feel guilty
• threaten you or your family and friends
• blackmail you
• be violent towards you
• humiliate you and make you feel stupid

People who sexually exploit children often ‘groom’ their victims to gain their trust. Later, when the behaviour of the abuser starts to change, many children are too frightened to come forward, or don't realise they are being abused.

They may suffer in silence for years without anyone to talk to about what they’re going through. It happens to children from all backgrounds and communities, right across the UK. It happens to both boys and girls, online or offline.

Child sexual exploitation doesn't always involve physical contact. It can also happen through technology too. And a victim may have been sexually exploited, even if it appears consensual.

Child sexual exploitation is never the young person’s fault, even when they 'agree' to the sexual activity.

Get help and report abuse

If you are worried about something that is happening to you or someone you know, you don’t have to deal with it on your own.

You can speak to someone you trust like a teacher, doctor, family member or key worker. They will help you to get the help you need.

You can also contact or ask the trusted adult on your behalf to contact children’s services (social care). You can also contact us or visit the Childline website for advice. Read this leaflet written by young people who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Other useful websites include:

• NSPCC
• Barnados
• NICE

Report a concern about a child

If you are worried about the safety of a child or young person, contact Walsall social services.

If the child or young person is not at risk of significant harm, seek early help.

If you are not sure, view our safeguarding procedures guidance.

If you suspect that a child or young person is being harmed, or is at risk of significant harm through abuse or neglect, report this immediately.

During office hours (Monday – Thursday, 8.45am – 5.15pm Friday, 8.45am – 4.45pm) call Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0300 555 2866.

Out of office hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays) Emergency Response Team Telephone: 0300 555 2922.

To make a child protection referral, fill in a Multi Agency Referral Form (MARF) and send it to MASH@walsall.gov.uk

If you believe a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999.