Exploitation is a form of abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into any activity
- in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or
- for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator of facilitator and/or
- through violence or the threat of violence.
Specific types of exploitation includes:
- Modern Slavery (including human trafficking)
- Sexual Exploitation
- Criminal Exploitation
- Financial Exploitation
The victim may still be exploited even if the activities that they are engaging in appear consensual.
Multiple types of exploitation can occur alongside or as part of other forms of abuse.
Exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
Appropriate Language: Child Sexual and/or Criminal Exploitation Guidance for Professionals
This document can be used by professionals when discussing the exploitation of children and young people, including when escalating intelligence and delivering training. The document can be read at the beginning of strategy meetings, multi-agency meetings, or other settings where professionals might be discussing children and young people who are at risk of exploitation.
Capturing and Reporting Intelligence: Child Sexual and/or Criminal Exploitation Guidance for Families, Professionals and the Community
This document can be used by families, professionals and community members to help understand what intelligence is and how it can be reported so that it can be used to build a picture of current trends or patterns, in order to assist the police to prevent, investigate and disrupt crime.
As part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to tackle serious and violent crime, the Home Office has relaunched its County Lines awareness-raising campaign.
This campaign aims to raise awareness about County Lines among frontline staff, like teachers, health workers and those working in the transport, housing and security sectors. It is these people who are most likely to encounter those young people or individuals who are most at risk.