Child Exploitation
What is Child Exploitation?
It can involve children being tricked, trapped, forced or persuaded into carrying out acts for someone else’s gain. It is a form of child abuse. It is not the child’s fault.
What are the types of exploitation?
If children are being exploited, it can be difficult for them to see what is happening or know how to tell someone. It is important that family and friends can spot the warning signs and offer support.
The main types of exploitation that could affect children are criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.
Child Sexual exploitation
This is when children are manipulated and pressured, tricked, forced into performing sexual activities. They may trust their abuser and not understand that they’re being abused.
Child Criminal Exploitation
Criminal exploitation is child abuse where children can be manipulated and pressured, tricked, forced into committing crimes
Other types of exploitation to be aware of
| Child Trafficking | The movement of children from one place to another to exploit them. This is a form of modern slavery. |
| County Lines | This is organised criminal groups who use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns. They can exploit children to distribute the drugs, often referred to as ‘drug running’. |
| Cuckooing | Cuckooing is when drug gangs take over the home of a vulnerable person through coercion, violence or intimidation. They use it as their base for selling/manufacturing drugs. Children may be forced, tricked by gangs to do this. |
| Online Grooming | Online grooming is when someone uses the internet to trick or manipulate a child. They might do this quickly or slowly over time. The goal is to gain the child’s trust, change what the child thinks is normal or safe, and use fear or shame to stop them from telling anyone. It’s a hard topic to think about, but understanding it is important so we can help protect children. |
Who does it affect?
Any child, of any gender, sex, or ethnicity, can become exploited
Who will help me and my child?
You are not alone. The Vale of Glamorgan have a duty to work with you and your child to help keep them safe.
Contact Vale Family Compass by calling 0808 281 6727 and press option 3 to reach the Intake Team.
If you are a professional and want to raise a concern, you can complete a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF).
Support Services
PACE: Parents against Exploitation
PACE, Parents Against Child Exploitation, supports parents and carers whose children are being exploited by offenders outside of the family
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)
Contact CEOP for advice on keeping safe online, and to report online grooming or exploitation. CEOP also has information aimed at children and young people.
Fearless
Fearless (part of Crimestoppers) Is a safe place for young people to give information about crime – 100% anonymously.
Access non-judgmental information and advice about crime and criminality.
NSPCC
NSPCC has dedicated helplines that offer advice on specific issues. They also have a wealth of resources.
Barnardo’s
Barnardo’s supports children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, as well as their families and people working with children
St Giles Trust
St Giles Trust provides information and support to help protect children from Child Criminal Exploitation.
Stop it Now
Stop it Now provides anonymous help and support. They have a helpline and online support for anyone with a concern about child sexual abuse and prevention.
If you suspect anyone is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.
If you suspect a child is at risk of significant harm, including from any form of exploitation, contact Vale Family Compass immediately by calling 0808 281 6727 and press option 3 to reach the Intake Team.
Outside office hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team 02920 788 570.