Sexual exploitation of children involves male and female children and young people, being coerced, influenced or forced by a peer, adult, group or gang into engaging in sexual activities for money, profit, or other consideration such as, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts. The profit could go either to the child or to a third party involved in the abuse. Child sexual exploitation can also occur through the 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.
Perpetrators of child sexual exploitation often use fear, deception, coercion and violence to control children and young people. Whilst any child can potentially be a victim, they are often identified as more vulnerable to becoming sexually exploited as a result of long term social exclusion, poverty and deprivation. The links between children being sexually exploited and children going missing from home or care are also very strong.
How to contact us:
If you would like to discuss a concern you may have you can telephone Children’s Services, Child Sexual Exploitation Coordinator on 0113 247 8652.
If you are a child or young person who needs support and advice, please talk to an adult you trust. If you would like to talk to someone in confidence you can contact Childline, who are available 24 hours a day; You can call them free on 0800 1111 and this number wont appear on a telephone bill. Remember: if you are in any danger or feel unsafe, get in contact with the police immediately on 999, or talk to an adult you trust.
If you are a member of the public and have a concern for a child or young person who you believe to be at risk of sexual exploitation, you can telephone Children’s Social Work Services on 0113 222 4403 between 8.30am – 5pm.
If you are a professional person involved with a child or young person who you believe to be at risk of sexual exploitation telephone the Duty & Advice team on 0113 3760336 between 8.30am to 5pm.
If you feel that a child is immediately at risk of harm please contact the police on 999.
