Overview

‘In the wrong hands’, a thought provoking campaign outlines what child sexual exploitation is, the tell-tale signs to look out for and where to find help or report concerns.

Key Campaign Messages

The campaign raises awareness that Child sexual exploitation is a serious crime.  Victims of sexual exploitation are often unaware that they are being exploited.  This type of abuse can happen to any child or young person up to the age of 18 from ANY background.

The campaign comes with additional literature that can be used by professionals and local councils to further raise the awareness of the campaign and strengthen the message.

The campaign literature can be downloaded from the links below:

• Leaflet
• A3 Poster (Public)
• A3 Poster (Professionals)

What are the signs?

Victims of sexual exploitation are often unaware that they are being exploited. This type of abuse could happen to any child or young person up to the age of 18 from ANY background.  Signs of sexual exploitation can range significantly but there are a number of tell tale signs you should look out for in a child or young person:

• Changes in eating patterns
• Chatting online to strangers
• Misusing alcohol or drugs
• Appearing to have new unexplained gifts
• Secretive mobile phone or computer use – sometimes
  at unsociable hours
• Mood swings or emotionally upset
• Spending a lot of time and associating with an older
  person away from home
• Showing inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Suffering from sexually transmitted infections
• Regularly missing school or not taking part in education
• Missing for long periods of time or coming home late

Contact Information

Whether YOU are a victim or you know of someone who might be a victim, there is support out there so please say something because CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IS A SERIOUS CRIME.

For confidential support and advice please contact:

Childline: 0800 11 11
Barnardo’s: 01642 300774
Stop it now: 0808 100 900
Police: 101