Professionals ... be AWARE of Child Sexual Exploitation

  • Concerned about a change in a young person's behaviour?
  • Witnessing a difference in the language, peer group, dress sense and personality of a young person?
  • Disturbed by the attention a young person is getting from a peer or older person?
  • Uncertain whether your suspicions about grooming behaviour are correct?
  • Looking for advice and guidance on this issue to ensure the safeguarding of vulnerable young people?
  • Unsure who can support this young person to discuss and identify issues relating to sexual exploitation?

"The sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive 'something' (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of performing, and/or others performing on them, sexual activities.

Child sexual exploitation can occur through use of technology without the child's immediate recognition, for example the persuasion to post sexual images on the internet/mobile phones with no immediate payment or gain. In all cases those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources."

(The National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People, 2008)

The AWARE Project at The Relationships Centre is dedicated to engaging and supporting children & young people at risk of or who are being targeted for exploitative sexual relationships by other young people and adults. We also deliver training and awareness raising in relation to child sexual exploitation.

The AWARE project takes a multi-disciplinary approach, working in partnership with many organisations including Cheshire Constabulary, Social Care, The Youth Offending Team, Probation, Health & Residential Care Homes.

How to contact us:

By Phone: 01925 246910

By email: info@therelationshipscentre.co.uk

Online: www.therelationshipscentre.co.uk

Be AWARE of Child Sexual Exploitation: A Whole Approach to Reducing Exploitation