What is sexual exploitation?

Sexual exploitation happens when someone is pressured, coerced, deceived or forced into sexual activity in exchange for something — such as money, food, drugs, alcohol, accommodation, affection or protection.

Anyone can be affected, but women, girls and children are particularly at risk.

Women and girls may be forced or tricked into prostitution, prevented from leaving it, or trafficked for sexual exploitation. Trafficking can occur within the UK and does not require crossing borders.

Exploitation also occurs in gang contexts, where women and girls may be controlled through intimate or family relationships, forced into sexual activity, or used to carry out criminal acts.

Sex Work

Sex work is the consensual exchange of sexual services for money, goods, or other agreed items. It may include:

  • Prostitution

  • Stripping or lap dancing

  • Pornography

  • Phone or online sexual services

  • Any sexual service provided by choice and with agreement

Key point: Sex (acts) + Consent = Sex Work

Selling sexual services is legal for adults in England, Wales and Scotland (though some related activities are not).

People may consent for a range of reasons — including financial need — and consent still remains valid as long as it is freely given.

Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation occurs when consent is absent, removed, or undermined through:

  • Force

  • Threats

  • Coercion

  • Manipulation

  • Deception

  • Abuse of power or vulnerability

In exploitation, someone else benefits from or controls the sexual activity, and the individual involved does not have full, free choice.

Key points: 

  • Sex (acts) – Consent = Sexual Exploitation
  • Children cannot consent to sex work.

For more information, visit:

www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg 

www.bexley.gov.uk/modernslavery

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse affecting children and young people under 18. It happens when an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to manipulate, coerce or deceive a child into sexual activity:

  • in exchange for something the child needs or wants, and/or

  • for the benefit of the exploiter (e.g., money, status or control).

CSE can involve:

  • contact abuse (such as sexual touching, assault or rape), or

  • non-contact abuse (including sharing sexual images, online grooming or sexual communication).

Key points about CSE

  • Children cannot consent to their own exploitation.

  • CSE can happen online or in person, through one incident or ongoing harm.

  • It affects boys and girls, from any background.

  • It often overlaps with other risks such as trafficking, going missing, domestic abuse, substance misuse or involvement in gangs.

Signs a child may be at risk of CSE

  • Receiving unexplained gifts, money, clothes or a new phone

  • Frequent missing episodes or coming home late

  • Older, controlling or secretive relationships

  • Excessive, hidden or distressing online activity

  • Changes in behaviour — isolation, anger, low mood, self-harm

  • Sexualised behaviour beyond their age, STIs or pregnancy

  • Returning home under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Evidence of violence, coercion or new criminal involvement

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and report it.

How to report concerns

If a child is at risk

  • Contact Children’s Social Care: 
    • 020 3045 5440 (Office hours)
    • 020 8303 7777 (Out of hours)

If an adult is at risk

  • Call the London Borough of Bexley and ask for Screeners: 020 8303 7777

If you are unsure what to do

  • Contact the Community Safety Services Team:
    • 020 8303 7777
    • community.safety@bexley.gov.uk

If you or someone else is in immediate danger

  • Call 999.

Modern Slavery Helpline

  • Confidential 24/7 advice: 0800 0121 700