Community Southwark Event Child Sexual Exploitation April Bald – Assistant Director Safeguarding Children’s Services October 2016

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Defined by the National Working Group as: Involves exploitative contexts and relationships where young people under 18 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 This definition arises from joint work between project members of the National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People (NWG) 2008. The National Working Group is a support group for individuals and service providers working with children and young people who are at risk of or who experience sexual exploitation.

can occur without child’s recognition, e. g can occur without child’s recognition, e.g. persuaded to post sexual images on internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain Perpetrators exploit children through power they have over them e.g. age, gender, intellect, physical strength or economic resources Violence, coercion and intimidation are common characterised by the child limited availability of choice resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability

Types of CSE Boyfriend Model Peer on Peer Exploitation Organised/Networked sexual exploitation or trafficking Inappropriate relationships Familial Opportunistic On-Line CSE Boyfreind - young person is befriended or groomed into a ‘relationship’ and then coerced or forced to have sex with friends or associates Peer on peer -– exploitation by those of similar age; can occur within and between street gangs, where sex is used in exchange for safety, protection, drugs and simply belonging Organised/Networked sexual exploitation or trafficking - Young people are passed through networks where they may be forced/coerced into sexual activity with multiple men; often occurs at ‘parties’ and can involve the organised ‘buying and selling’ of young people Inappropriate relationships – where someone has inappropriate power or control over a young person (physical, emotional or financial); indicators include a significant age gap, or where the young person believes they are in a loving relationship Familial - Parents or family members control and facilitate the exploitation, often for financial motivation or relating to substance misuse Opportunistic – where typically older males identify vulnerable young people who may already have been groomed or sexually abused. The perpetrator will offer a young person a ‘reward’ or payment in exchange for sexual acts. The perpetrator is often linked with a network of abusive adults On-Line CSE – inc.s posting or sharing of abusive images, leading to repeat victimisation, use of GPS technology to increase risk to victims. Young people may also be persuaded to post images of themselves; these may subsequently be used as a bargaining tool by perpetrators.

Key indicators Going missing Missing school Unexplained gifts , new possessions Association with other your people involved in exploitation Older boyfriends / girlfriends Suffering STI’s pregnancies , terminations Mood swings , self harm Drug / alcohol misuse Displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour Physical injuries Child under 13 not legally capable of consenting – statutory rape Sexal activity under 16 also an offence Ages of Concern – young people treated as adults , and agencies focussed on y/p behaviour , seeing them as hard to reach rather than understanding the causes – cant you see Im a little girl / boy

Working Together All agencies should : have safeguarding training for all staff including volunteers and contractors Clear reporting and recording procedures Working Together – 2015 Supplementary Guidance London CP Procedures – Safeguarding children from Sexual exploitation

Tackling CSE in Southwark Multi-agency, child centred approach in Southwark to: Prevent the sexual exploitation of children Identify, protect and support victims Disrupt and stop perpetrators, securing justice for victims and obtaining convictions Southwark’s Safeguarding Children's Board Protocol – referral pathways and risk assessments

Tackling CSE in Southwark MASE - Refreshed tactical approach – addressing key emerging issues, ensuring suitable interventions are in place for victims and perpetrators and targeting prevention activity where it will make the most difference Multi-agency operational group – strengthening partnership working and sharing of information and intelligence to intervene and support those at risk

CSE in Southwark 14-16 year old females are most at risk Victims are mostly females aged 14-15 Perpetrators target peers and are mainly male Those at risk, victims and perpetrators have all been linked to drugs, crime (theft, violence) & gangs, sexual health concerns Most children with social care history of neglect and domestic abuse Low school attendance and missing episodes is evident

Case examples Danni – 13 missing school , ‘’sexualised ‘’ , suffered sexual abuse aged 7 , mother ex care leaver , meeting young men on line ,friends with other girls known for CSE Jenny – 15 , Polish/ Nigerian , strict parents , high expectations , grades dropping , missing school , late home , gifts , changed dress , physical injuries ,’boyfriend’ well known to CSC Johnny – exploring sexuality , on-line , soho clubs , older men invited to parties .

No agency can respond alone Voluntary agencies / communities vital as CSE difficult to spot and a hidden crime Raising awareness at every level is essential to preventing it and stopping it early play a key role in identifying and reporting CSE concerns families disengage from statutory services Comply with requests from police for assistance – helping disruptions offer independent , confidential services, intensive support and help and encourage young people to engage Provide advocacy and outreach Support parents and carers enabling them to proactively support Part of the long term intervention plan helping recovery , preventing re-victimisation and improving resilience