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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of the research to date, including how some findings have informed practice within child care organisations in England and Wales. The challenges of applying this research are considered, along with some of its key limitations. Avenues for future research are proposed, but understanding will only progress further if research is underpinned by appropriate theory. This paper suggests promising theory that could be applied to CSE. There is also a need to consider CSE risk more holistically and not just in relation to the presence or absence of discrete vulnerability factors. Design/methodology/approach This is a brief overview of the literature to date, with a focus on how it has been applied by child care professionals. Findings Discusses how some findings have informed practice within child care organisations in England and Wales. Originality/value This is a viewpoint piece.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the prevalence of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and factors connected in a young adult population, through a series of connected studies. Each study considered exposure to poly-victimisation. The series of studies focussed on a number of factors felt to impact vulnerability and protective factors towards CSE. Specifically caregiver bonds, resilience and attachment style, adolescent risk-taking, quality of caregiver bonds, level/type of supportive relationships and positive schemas, as well as the impact of CSE disclosure and links to attachment style and maladaptive schemas. Design/methodology/approach These studies looked at a young adult population, mainly women. Study one (n = 263), study two (n = 138) and study three (n = 211), predominantly collected via a series of online measures. Findings Findings demonstrated that around half of children under 16 years had been approached sexually by an adult, with approximately one in four children subsequently exploited. Various results were noted, such as experiencing a primary caregiver as lacking in warmth and affection was associated with those reporting CSE, with further exposure to poly-victimisation contributing to a less functional coping style and insecure attachments. CSE was not associated with higher levels of adolescent risk-taking, poor bonds with the primary caregiver, fewer important childhood relationships and positive schemas. Practical implications This paper notes the importance of addressing the functions of behaviours for victims, to reduce re-victimisation risk. It noted the importance of applying theory when working with this population. It introduced the protect and vulnerability model against CSE and has practical applications for professionals working with victims of CSE. This paper argues the importance of individualised assessments for children who are deemed to be “at-risk” of CSE. Originality/value Findings were combined to propose the protection against the CSE model and the application of this to intervention and future research is acknowledged.

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