Sarah Goodwin - Senior YPA Haringey and Enfield Anna Reilly– Senior Young People’s Advocate

Safer London Foundation Our vision is for young people in London to feel safe and achieve their potential We work to improve the safety and wellbeing of young people in London affected by violence and crime 2

Empower is a support programme addressing young women’s experiences of sexual exploitation, primarily through gangs. The support framework consists of: Young women’s intensive 1:1 support Specialist advice & case consultation Young women’s group education programme Young men’s group education programme Parents and foster carers workshops Professionals training and events 3

Learning Agreement Challenge the statement, not the person Confidentiality, with exception of safeguarding Mobiles – off or silent please! We will be discussing sensitive issues including rape & sexual violence. Attendees are encouraged to take responsibility for their own participation. Please be responsible for your own timekeeping 4

Learning Outcomes Understand what Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) means in a gang context Understand the roles played by women in gangs Identify early warning signs of young people at risk of CSE Be aware of the referral pathways in Haringey *Information is adapted from: ‘Working with Gang affected young women experiencing sexual and domestic violence’ AVA & WAGN

Values and Attitudes

What is Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

What is Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)? 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, affections, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the Childs's immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the internet/mobile phones without 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. Violence, coercion and intimidations are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the Childs or young persons limited availability of choice resulting form their social/economic and /or emotional vulnerability National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People, 2010

Young People’s Perspective “Through threats, bribes, violence, humiliation, or by telling you that they love you, they will have the power to get you to do sexual things for their own, or other people’s benefit or enjoyment, including: touching or kissing private parts, sex, taking sexual photos ...” Young Women’s Group, New Horizons: 2008 Out of the Box: Doncaster Streetreach “It’s when you don’t know your choices, that other people have all the power ...” “Some one taking advantage of you sexually, for their own benefit...”

Individuals Trends in CSE 2,409 confirmed victims of CSEGG August 2010 to October 2011. 16,500 at risk (3 or more behaviours) 72% were girls and 9% boys Perpetrators are predominantly male, victims predominantly female Most often takes place between people who are known to each other Used as a means of boys and young men exerting power and control over girls and young women OCC CSEGG Interim Report, Nov 2012 Gangs Groups Trafficked Online Opportunistic Familial Sexual Bullying Older ‘boyfriend’ Peer on Peer Child Sexual Exploitation

CSE: gangs, groups and peers Gang-associated sexual exploitation, victimisation and abuse Sexual exploitation is not the main reason why a gang is formed Group sexual exploitation, victimisation and abuse Group exists in person or online for the purpose of sexual exploitation Peer-on-peer sexual exploitation, victimisation and abuse Exploitation of children and young people by other children and young people CSEGG Inquiry call for evidence - OCC Autumn 2012 11

What roles do young women have in gangs?

Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups (CSEGG) Line-ups – forced or coerced oral sex, multiple perpetrators Battery chick – a woman who is expected to have sex with many members of the same gang Gang rape - Multiple perpetrator rape Links - Sexual activity in return for (perceived) status or protection Honey-Trap - Young women ‘setting-up’ people in other gangs Sexual assault as a weapon in conflict and retaliation Gang associated SE and SV is rarely reported Information on sexual violence against young men is less forthcoming. Sexual violence against young men is ‘viewed differently’

“Rape has become a weapon of choice “Rape has become a weapon of choice ... as it is the only weapon that cannot be detected during a stop and search” ROTA Report: Female Voice in Violence (2010) and This is it, this is My Life (2011) 14

Vulnerability Factors Living in a chaotic or dysfunctional household History of abuse Living in residential care, hostel, B&B or being homeless Gang association either through relatives, peers, intimate relationships or neighbourhood Lacking friends from the same age group Attending school or are friends with young people who are sexually exploited Not engaging in education/training or employment Unsure about their sexual orientation or unable to disclose sexual orientation to their families Learning disabilities Young carer Recent bereavement or loss Low self-esteem or self-confidence OCC Inquiry CSEGG Interim Report, 2012

Behavioural and Risk Indicators Older ‘boyfriend’ Gang-involved male peers Missing from home or care Physical injuries. Drug or alcohol misuse Involvement in offending Repeat sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancy and terminations Evidence of sexual bullying and/or vulnerability through the internet and/or social networking sites Disclosures made then withdrawn Unexplained money or gifts and unexplained mobiles Absent from school Bullying in or out of school Change in physical appearance Recruiting others into exploitative situations Family involvement in sexual exploitation Poor mental health Self-harm or thoughts of/or attempts at suicide CSEGG Inquiry, OCC Nov 2012 16

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Professionals Sexually exploited young people are frequently described by professionals as being; promiscuous.. sexually available.. asking for it.. prostituting.. Suggests children are responsible for their own abuse. Gang interruption interventions are male dominated and designed for young men Men and boys require support to understand the consequences of their attitudes and behaviours Services and agencies working in silos, not multi-agency and information sharing ROTA 2010 & CSEGG, OCC Nov 2012

Protective Factors Knowledge of healthy relationships Strong self-esteem Awareness about consent Awareness and trust in support services “A person consents if he/she agrees by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice” Section 74, sexual Offences Act:2003 19

The CSE Process and LSCB Guidance 1. Identify YP at risk using indicators and vulnerability factors 2. Bring case to attention of safeguarding lead and notify CSC 4. Put safeguarding plan into action. Key importance that info continues to be shared as appropriate 3. CSE Strategy meeting held with all relevant professionals (including specialist CSE service) Share information regarding indicators and vulnerability factors Decide level of risk (low/med/high) Create safeguarding plan At least every 3 months meeting is held and risks and plan are reviewed. More frequently if circumstances change

Pan-London Sexual Exploitation Protocol

Aims of the Protocol To identify those children at risk of being sexually exploited To work collaboratively to ensure the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people who are being, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited To provide timely and effective interventions with children and families to safeguard those vulnerable to sexual exploitation To apply pro-active problem solving to address the risks associated with victims, perpetrators and locations and ensure the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people who are or may be at risk from sexual exploitation To take action against those intent on abusing and exploiting children and young people by prosecuting and disrupting perpetrators To raise awareness and provide preventative education for the welfare of children and young people who are, or may be, sexually exploited 22

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Contacts Sarah Goodwin- Senior YPA Haringey Email: sarah.goodwin@haringey.gov.uk Mobile: 07850 630 208 Vic Cousins- Empower Project Manager (Haringey) Email: victoriacousins@saferlondonfoundation.org Mobile: 07734 955 898 CSE lead- Deirdre Cregan Email: deirdre.cregan@haringey.gov.uk

Further Reading Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups (CSEGG) Female Voice in Violence Final Report: This is it, this is my Life (ROTA 2011) Safeguarding children affected by Gang Activity and/or serious Youth violence (LSCB 2010) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation (DCSF 2010) MET CSE Protocol Teenagers at Risk: The Safeguarding needs of Young People in Gangs and Violent Peer Groups (NSPCC 2009)

Links PACE - Parents against Child Sexual http://www.paceuk.info/ Blast - Blast support's and works with boys and young men who have been, are being, or are at risk of being sexually exploited. http://mesmac.co.uk/blast Women and Girl’s Network (WGN) - offers counselling, support and advice for women who have been affected by gendered violence, including sexual and domestic violence. http://www.wgn.org.uk/ CEOP – Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre – works across the UK tackling child sexual abuse and providing advice for parents, children and young people and practitioners http://www.thinkuknow.org.uk/