The report It’s not on the radar says a better understanding of the diversity of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) victims in England is essential to tackling this form of child abuse, so professionals identify all children who have been sexually exploited, or are at risk.
Children, young people and parents also need to be more aware that not every CSE case is like the high profile ones in Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford where most of the perpetrators were males and victims white girls.
Evidence in the study shows CSE affects children regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, faith, disability, background or upbringing. For example, children and young people with a disability are three times more likely to be abused than children without a disability; while young people questioning their sexuality and searching for advice may be more vulnerable to being groomed online.
The report recommends that professionals receive appropriate training to help them identify children who have experienced, or are at risk of CSE and it wants relevant organisations to work better together.
It also calls for school lessons to focus on healthy relationships to help children feel more confident in being able to identify possible risky situations, while families and communities must be more aware of CSE.
Barnardo’s CEO, Javed Khan said: “This horrific form of child abuse can affect any child or young person. One in five children we help in our own services are male victims of this crime.
“Assumptions must not be made when trying to identify sexual exploitation as each victim has their own vulnerabilities. Recognising the diversity of victims will help ensure they are identified and get the right support.”
To download the report, click here: