Child Sexual Exploitation by Gangs / Groups

The full information booklet can be downloaded here.

What is Sexual Exploitation?

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse. It involves the manipulation and / or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for things such as money, gifts, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or affection. The young people are manipulated or 'groomed' befriending them and gaining their trust over a long period of time.  Sometimes they are given drugs and alcohol before abuse begins.  Those exploiting the child or young person have power over them by virtue of their gender, intellect, physical strength and / or economic or other resources. 
Grooming can take place 'online' in social media and chat rooms, via mobile phones or in person.  Vulnerable adults can also be sexually exploited where they do not consent or cannot agree to sexual activity.

Asian and / or Muslim  Female Victims
Sexual exploitation is complex and widespread and not limited to one community.  Asian and / or Muslim women and girls are also victims. However, they are often overlooked by service providers and support agencies. Muslim Women's Network UK conducted research to uncover their hidden experiences.  Key findings can be found in the report Unheard Voices: Sexual Exploitation of Asian Girls and Young Women and include:

  • They are most vulnerable from men in their own communities
  • Specific vulnerabilities associated with their culture i.e. shame and honour is the main reason why victims do not report and disclose
  • The men from their own communities purposefully exploit 'shame and honour' to control them by blackmailing them.


Although the cases studies focused on Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Afghani girls, a number of cases have now been received involving Somali girls being exploited by Somali men.

 
Contact an organisation about this issue
MWN Helpline is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided and listing any organisation does not imply its endorsement.
  You can also Find help using our system below
Find national and local organisations
 
Blast Project
Phone:0113 2444209 or 07921 372896   UK's leading sexual exploitation project supporting only boys and young men. Further project details can be found here.
Email:blast@mesmac.co.uk 
Website:www.mesmac.co.uk 
Address: 
Green Light Project
Phone:01224 577120 / 07808 627262  Specialist service for anyone under the age of 25 in Aberdeen city or Aberdeenshire on any issue relating to sexual exploitation. Further details can be found here.
Email: 
Website:www.drugsaction.co.uk 
Address: 
ISIS - Supporting Young People Against Sexual Exploitation
Phone: 0113 243 0036 / 07710 304308 Provide a safe place to talk about issues that are affecting you but also come to you, meeting in a place you feel most comfortable. They can also attend any sexual health appointments with you and advocate for you - making sure your voice is heard in meeting and by other professionals. 
Email: 
Website:www.isis-at-genesis.org.uk 
Address: 
NIA
Phone:0207 683 1270 / 07984 936 209  Delivering cutting edge services to end violence against women and children. 
Email:info@niaendingviolence.org.uk 
Website:www.niaendingviolence.org.uk 
Address: 
NSPCC
Phone:0808 800 5000 Help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk, and find the best ways of preventing abuse from ever happening.
Email: 
Website:www.nspcc.org.uk 
Address: 
 

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