Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child abuse. It can happen on or offline.
It happens when a child is tricked, coerced and/or manipulated in exchange for sexual activities.
Examples may be:
- giving them gifts, affection, drugs, or money in return for carrying out sexual activities
- leading them to believe they’re in a loving consensual relationship so the sexual act appears consensual (grooming)
Children can easily be contacted online by offenders who want to sexually exploit them.
Children and young people can be trafficked into, out of or within the UK for sexual exploitation.
