Child sexual exploitation

Abstract

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.

Reproductive control by others: means, perpetrators and effects

“…This includes child sexual exploitation 46. The pimp–prostitute relationship often exhibits coercive control and violence similar to IPV 47.…”

A qualitative study of the practices and experiences of staff in multidisciplinary child sexual exploitation partnerships in three English coastal towns

“…The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology (Department for Education, 2017, p. 3) Research and commentary has increasingly focused on characteristics that make young people vulnerable to sexual exploitation (Alderson, 2016;Brown, 2017;Hallett, , 2017. In her study of CSE policy from the perspective of young people, Brown (2017) has described vulnerability as "a slippery idea loaded with moral and ethical connotations" (Brown, 2017, 4).…”

Child sexual exploitation (CSE): applying a systemic understanding of ‘grooming’ and the LUUUUTT model to aid second order change

“…Hallett (2016) even suggests that, as the prevalence of young people known to children’s services, particularly young people in care, who have experienced CSE is so high, having social services intervention should be seen to be a risk factor for CSE. However, as Alderson (2016) points out, there is a sample bias in the research on CSE since the only research completed relates to cases known through coming to the attention of children’s services.…”

“…Despite the growth of literature in this area, there has not yet been a theoretical base developed to provide a framework of understanding for professionals (Alderson, 2016). Having a theoretical base from which to work provides both guidelines for how to work with young people affected by CSE and a basis from which to evaluate the effectiveness of this input.…”

“…Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. (2017, p. 5) Despite the growth of literature in this area, there has not yet been a theoretical base developed to provide a framework of understanding for professionals (Alderson, 2016). Having a theoretical base from which to work provides both guidelines for how to work with young people affected by CSE and a basis from which to evaluate the effectiveness of this input.The research on CSE mainly seems to focus on understanding the numbers of young people affected and the ways they are harmed.…”