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Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is when someone grooms and controls a child for a sexual purpose.

It can happen to boys and girls, it can happen in rural and urban areas, it can happen face to face and it can happen online. It is a form of child abuse and should be treated as a child protection issue.

These pages define child sexual exploitation and set out key guidance, research and practice. There is also information on identification of children or young people who are being sexually exploited.

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A definition of child sexual exploitation

Explains what child sexual exploitation is, looking at online sexual exploitation and street grooming.  Includes definitions from the UK government and European Convention.

Identifying sexually exploited children and young people

A brief look at the children and young people who are most vulnerable and the signs that a child or young person is being sexually exploited through street grooming.

Guidance on child sexual exploitation

Official guidance and policy from the UK's four nations and Europe.

Practice on preventing child sexual exploitation

Resources for raising awareness and direct work with children and families including case studies.

NSPCC training on child sexual exploitation

Courses for professionals on listening and responding to sexually exploited children and child sexual abuse awareness for anyone working with children.

Research on child sexual exploitation

Research publications into grooming on the street and online sexual exploitation.

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Related topics

• Child trafficking 
  
  
• Child sexual abuse
  
  

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Contact the NSPCC Information Service for specialist information on child sexual exploitation or any child protection topic

Share this page: www.nspcc.org.uk/childsexualexploitation

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Help for children & young people

ChildLine

0800 1111

Help for adults concerned about a child

Help and advice

0808 800 5000

Copyright © 2011 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.