Understanding CSE
The sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 is where a young person will receive something in return for, or be pressured into performing, sexual activities. Are you being sexually exploited or do you have concerns for someone. Help is available!
What is Child Sexual Exploitation?
The sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 is where a young person will receive something in return for, or be pressured into performing sexual activities.
What is CSE?
Firstly it is child abuse and puts young people at risk of damage to their physical, emotional and psychological health.
It can take many forms:
- A “seemingly” consensual relationship with an older boyfriend
- A young person having sex in return for attention, alcohol, cigarettes, gifts or lifts.
- On-line – young person encouraged to share indecent images (sexting) or perform sexual acts on webcam and other person then threatens to share images unless perform further acts
- Organised/networked CSE – serious organised crime
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What are the signs of CSE?
There are some people who may seek to draw you into sexual relationships. They might be nice to you initially by showing lots of affection, by inviting you to parties and buying you alcohol, drugs, clothes, mobile phones or other gifts.
This might start of casual and friendly, but it might slowly turn more and more towards pressuring you into performing sexual acts.
You might have also shared a picture online that you really wish you hadn’t, and now someone is blackmailing you to post more, or to perform sexual acts in photos or videos.
No-one should pressure you to have sex.
This includes getting you to touch yourself in front of others or in front of a webcam, or having someone touch themselves in front of you. It also includes making you look at pornographic photos or films.
The people who do this aim to draw young people like you into swapping or selling sex. They are not really your friends.
They might make you feel guilty or ashamed for what you have done, to make you keep quiet.
You need to know that there is help available.
Spot the warning signs
These could be some of the signs that show you could be at risk:
- Being friends with older adults
- Having an older boyfriend or girlfriend
- Not hanging around with friends your own age or less often
- Tried and use drugs and alcohol
- Chatting to people online who you have never met
- Going missing for hours or overnight
- Having strained relationships at home
- Going off with people in cars that you don’t know
- Being invited to parties with people you don’t know
- Hanging around in areas that people don’t think are safe
The ThinkUKnow website has a wide range of advice on what to do if you feel you might be in an exploitative relationship.
Where can I go for help?
You need to know that whatever has happened, you are not responsible for it and you are not in trouble with the police.
If you feel that you might be in an exploitative relationship, the first step is to tell someone about it.
This could be a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker or the police.
If you want to the States of Jersey Police on 612612 they have a dedicated, understanding and supportive Personal Protection Unit.
They will help you through what is happening and work as hard as possible to stop the abusers from hurting you any further, or harming anyone else.
Other organisations you can contact:
Tel: 280530 or 07797778424 or pop in to our drop-in.
Tel: 440496
Tel: 0800 735 6836
Jersey Tel: 760800
Tel: 0800 1111
Brook
Tel: 507981
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Find Us
Youth Enquiry Service, The Link, Eagle House, La Colomberie, St Helier JE2 4QBCall Us
01534 280530Text Us
07797 778424Email Us
yes@jys.je