Risk Of Child Sexual Exploitation Research Articles

Turkish adolescents' anonymous use of social networking sites (SNSs): A phenomenological study

AbstractDespite the surging anonymous social media use among adolescents living in non‐Western countries, such as Turkey, existing studies have been conducted in a Western context and do not provide a holistic understanding of adolescents' lived experiences of anonymous social networking site (SNS) interactions. As a result, Turkish adolescents aged 12–15 years (N = 20) were interviewed about their lived experiences of anonymous SNS interactions, using a phenomenological qualitative approach. The authors identified 10 themes. Four themes address circumventing social norms and avoiding repercussions: mocking friends, seeking revenge, engaging in activism, and exploring and expressing self. Four themes pertain to initiating, developing, and testing relationships: exploring romantic relationships, testing friendships, seeking information about others, and gaining attention and/or popularity. Reflecting a major intrapersonal dynamic, another theme describes low self‐confidence/esteem. The final theme addresses a significant risk associated with the anonymous use of SNSs: increased risk of child sexual exploitation. The results provide important insights into the roles of anonymous online interactions in satisfying adolescents' developmental needs and indicate the importance of providing them with support and education to help them navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

The significance of love in relation to looked-after children and child sexual exploitation

Drawing on the knowledge that looked-after children are disproportionately involved in child sexual exploitation, this critical systematic literature review considers the significance of ‘love’, using bell hooks’ ‘love ethic’. This literature review applies a systematic approach to retrieving literature and includes ten peer-reviewed journal articles containing primary research from individuals with lived experience of being a looked-after child and child sexual exploitation, or professionals within the field. Thematic analysis is used to identify the themes of risk, agency and relational practice. Together, these explore how dominant discourses of neoliberalism, patriarchy and capitalism shape modern social work, increase the risk of child sexual exploitation for looked-after children and maintain conditions needed for child sexual exploitation to function. bell hooks’ conceptualisation of the ‘love ethic’ is discussed as a possible framework in meeting the unmet emotional and economic needs of looked-after children through using ‘love as action’. ‘Love’, critical thinking and critical reflection are then recommended for social work.

Child sexual exploitation and the adoption of public health approaches to prevention: critical reflections on evolving processes and practices

In recent years, the use of public health approaches to address complex social problems has gained popularity. In England and Wales, the rise in low-volume, high-harm crime has accelerated this shift, with calls for public health interventions to tackle knife-crime, extremism and sexual violence made by politicians, policy-makers, welfare workers and the police service. Notwithstanding such appeals, how public health approaches are both operationalised and impact remain largely unknown. Drawing on findings from a qualitative study focused on the implementation of a specific initiative in the UK designed to reduce the risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) amongst young people, this article attempts to address tangible gaps in these two key areas of knowledge. Although generally supportive of a public health approach to CSE, an analysis of in-depth interviews with members of a multi-agency team reveals a number of quandaries and thorny issues when implemented within a specific policing and criminal justice context.

Targeting Missing Persons Most Likely to Come to Harm Among 92,681 Cases Reported to Devon and Cornwall Police

Research questionGiven the information available to Devon and Cornwall Police at the time when they received a missing person report, which knowable variables indicated increased odds of the person coming to serious harm?DataThe study examines all 92,681 missing reports received by Devon and Cornwall Police over 11 years from 2008 through 2019, for which 3481 (3.8%) persons came to harm, or about one in 27. Variables known at the time the report was filed included (A) risk levels estimated by police applying the College of Policing risk assessment template (high, medium, low), and (B) the missing person’s age, gender, in-care status, disability, dyslexia, learning disability, hearing or visual impairment, reduced mobility, mental illness, child sexual exploitation risk, reported suicidal, vulnerable adult status and previous reports of being missing.MethodsOdds ratios are used to estimate differences in likelihood of missing persons coming to harm in a series of single-variable tests. Matrices are used to assess the accuracy of the current risk assessment process used by police services in England and Wales, as applied in Devon and Cornwall. Limited multivariate analysis was undertaken.FindingsApplication of the current College of Policing protocol for risk assessment by subjective professional judgements yields substantial error rates, with 89% of the predicted high risk cases having no actual harm and 59% of cases with actual harm after not being predicted as high risk. The odds of harm based on single variables examined are highly conditional on age and gender as third factors. Both men and women over 18 are 4 times more likely to be harmed (6.8%) than those under age 18 (1.7%).ConclusionsThis study casts substantial doubt on the accuracy of the current subjective risk assessment process for missing persons. As the authorizing body for Approved Professional Practice, the College of Policing could use this evidence to endorse further development and implementation of a multivariate evidence-based risk assessment tool for missing persons that takes into account the age and gender of the missing person as well as all other factors in a single forecasting model.

Teenagers and their Sexual Partners: What Age Difference Should Raise Concerns of Sexual Exploitation?

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is often characterised by a power imbalance between the abuser and the child. Age difference is one of the power imbalances observed. However, there is no clear guidance on what age difference should raise concern. This article provides empirical evidence on age difference observed between: (a) teenagers (13–17‐year‐olds) who have attended a sexual health clinic and their partners; and (b) teenagers who are already known to children's services owing to significant concerns of sexual exploitation and their partners.The findings provide recommendations on age cut‐offs that are more likely to be suggestive of the risk of CSE. The paper concludes that an age difference of four years or more for 13–16‐year‐olds and six years or more for 17‐year‐olds should alert professionals to the possibility of exploitation. Overall, about two per cent of teenagers seen in a general sexual health clinic population had partners meeting these age cut‐offs compared with 31.4 per cent of those for whom there were already significant CSE concerns. These age cut‐offs can support professionals, especially those with little or no experience or knowledge of CSE, to make an informed professional judgement.‘Provide[s] recommendations on age cut‐offs that are more likely to be suggestive of the risk of CSE’Key Practitioner Messages A holistic approach to determining a young person's risk of sexual exploitation should include consideration of the age of the partner. Age ‘cut‐offs’ can help professionals decide what age difference should trigger concern and support decision‐making. We recommend age difference ‘cut‐offs’ of four years or more for 13–16‐year‐olds and six years or more for 17‐year‐olds.

Driving Improvements in Child Protection and Safeguarding Practice

Driving Improvements in Child Protection and Safeguarding Practice

Working with and Negotiating ‘Risk’: Examining the Effects of Awareness Raising Interventions Designed to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation

Abstract This article considers the effects of an educational intervention with young people designed to reduce the risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE). Drawing on findings from a qualitative study, we consider processes of engagement with the initiative, the relevance of the strategy adopted by the delivery team and the impacts on the perspectives of young people targeted. Focusing on mutually constitutive problems of context sensitivity, recognition of ambiguity and the silencing of alternative narratives, we raise several critical caveats that should be considered in the design and implementation of future CSE awareness raising initiatives. Overall, we aver that an unstinting focus on individual behaviour management unduly responsibilizes young people and draws inflexible demarcation lines between appropriate and inappropriate sexual conduct.

The Use of Tools and Checklists to Assess the Risk of Child Sexual Exploitation: Lessons from UK Practice

ABSTRACTTools to assess the risk of becoming a victim of child sexual exploitation (CSE) have been developed by UK CSE practitioners based on their professional experiences, with little evidence underpinning their development, and no evaluation/validation. Little is known about how they are used in practice. This paper summarizes two studies. The first study consisted of a rapid review to identify factors associated with increased or decreased risk of vulnerability to becoming a victim of CSE and the assessment of 10 tools being used in the UK. The second study undertook interviews and online survey with professionals across multi-agencies to establish the use of tools. Results illustrate the context and processes in which the tools are being used and identify concerns regarding their ability to identify and protect children.

A Case Study Approach to Reducing the Risks of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

ABSTRACTThe risk of child sexual exploitation is a growing concern, both within community and child care settings. Within community services working with vulnerable young people, the risks of exploitation are pervasive and present a constant management problem for professionals. This makes the need for focused educational interventions within such settings all the more vital. This case study aims to describe the assessment, formulation, intervention, and outcomes of a young female considered to be at risk of sexual exploitation. It was hypothesised that, after completion of a psychoeducational group designed to enhance knowledge and skills around child sexual exploitation, positive outcomes would be seen in psychometric assessment, risk-taking behavior, and risk awareness. Results demonstrated no clinically significant change for measures of impulsivity, resourcefulness, or self-reported difficulties. A significant increase was seen for self-reported self-esteem, and all outcomes revealed a positive direction of change. Observational accounts of behavioral and attitudinal change produced more positive results, revealing an increase in prosocial behaviors and a reduction in risk-taking behaviors. Outcomes are discussed in relation to the individual’s history and the residential care environment. Implications for future research and practice are outlined, and the study limitations are considered.

P221 Spotting child sexual exploitation (CSE) risks in a small rural cohort; what to look out for and how to effectively share information

IntroductionRecognition of CSE is a vital part of our work. We host a monthly multiagency safeguarding meeting (SM), alongside social services, children in care (CIC) team and hospital safeguarding. All children with high risk behaviours/vulnerabilities who have attended in the previous month are discussed including children in care, those current self-harming and those disclosing grooming or sexual assault. We will explore other factors contributing to CSE risk and demonstrate the value of the multiagency SM to care.MethodsReview of records of 90 adolescents 13-17 attending between 01/08/16 – 30/09/16. Demographics, safeguarding concerns and SM outcomes were recorded. Results were analysed using SPSS and Pearsons/Fishers tests.Results84% (76) were female. 13% (12) were aged ≤15. In this group a history of involuntary sex was associated with both the use of recreational drugs (p=0.002) and any diagnosis of a mental health condition (p=0.020). 12 patients were discussed at the SM. New information was shared between partner organisations in 75% (9) cases. Further results for risky behaviours can be seen in Table 1.Abstract P221 Table 1Spotting CSEYes (%)No (%)History of involuntary sex21(25.6)61(74.4)History of grooming1(1.2)82(98.8)Sent/Received sexually explicit photos5(8.8)52(91.2)Met partners on internet/social media6(10.7)50(89.3)Previous or current self-harm33(37.6)53(62.4)Known to Social Services20(22.8)68(77.2)DiscussionDiscussion at the SM improves the care of vulnerable children by identifying those at risk and improving multiagency care planning. Mental health problems or illicit drug use should prompt careful evaluation for CSE risk.

P176 Are sexually transmitted infections associated with child sexual exploitation in under 16 year olds attending Genitourinary Medicine clinics in the UK?

Background Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a challenging diagnosis to make, with few clinical signs or symptoms, and little evidence that markers such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are CSE predictors. Aim To investigate associations between STIs and CSE risk factors. Methods The genitourinary medicine clinic activity dataset (GUMCAD) was used to identify clinics with >18 STI diagnoses in 13–15 year-olds in 2012. Cases with confirmed bacterial or protozoal STIs were matched by age, gender and clinic with non-STI controls. Clinics provided details of CSE-related risk factors irrespective of STI presence through an on-line questionnaire. Associations between STI outcome and CSE-related risk factors were analysed using logistic regression. Results 18/44 (40.9%) clinics contacted provided data on 466 13–15 year-olds; 414 (88.8%) were female, and 52 (11.2%) male. 98.6% were heterosexual, and 66.7% white British. There were 18 (3.9%) 13, 108 (23.2%) 14 and 340 (80.0%) 15 year-olds. In univariate analysis an STI diagnosis was significantly associated with: ‘highly-likely’ CSE (OR 9.00, p = 0.037), >1 partner (OR 5.50, p = 0.000), >1 attendance in 2012 (OR 3.79, p = 0.0000), safeguarding referral (OR 1.94, p = 0.022), other service involvement (OR 1.72, p = 0.031) and vulnerability (OR 1.64, p = 0.026). After adjustment, STI diagnosis was significantly associated with: Health Advisor review (OR 6.78, p = 0.000), >1 partner (OR 5.82, p = 0.002), >1 attendance (OR 3.72, p = 0.000) and looked after child (OR 3.43, p = 0.039). Discussion The presence of a bacterial or protozoal STI is only weakly associated with CSE and should not be used to infer CSE in the absence of more compelling evidence.

P159 Sexual health services are ideally placed to manage vulnerable young people?

Background/introduction Identifying and assessing the risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in young people is a fundamental role of sexual health clinics. The ‘Spotting the signs’ proforma developed by BASHH recommends assessing all those Aim(s)/objectives The aim of this audit was to review those Methods EPR records for all Results 56 patients identified, 86 attendances. 36/56 (64%) were 16–17 yrs. 48/56 (86%) were female. 23/56 (41%) were seen in the Young Person’s Clinic, the rest seen throughout the service. Concerns included: sexual assault/non-consensual sex 41%, drugs and alcohol 39%, difficulties at home/in care 37%, mental health 37% and partner age/coercion 11%. 20% had concerns in ≥ 3 areas. Interventions: 24/56 (53%) already had social work or other agency involvement, 27% were referred to agencies for the first time as a consequence of their visit to the clinic. Further clinic follow up was arranged in 33/56 (59%). All patients had a clear action plan. Discussion/conclusion This audit suggests that older young people (16–17 yrs) have significant risk factors; the same vigilance accorded to under 16’s needs to be applied to this group. Sexual Health clinics are well placed to both recognise those at risk and provide ongoing support and referral.

P244 Child sexual exploitation – review of information sharing and identifying patients at risk

<h3>Background/introduction</h3> We are a community based, multi-disciplinary team providing sexual health care for 8,000 under 20s that attend our service yearly. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is an increasingly recognised problem that affects young vulnerable people across the UK. Information sharing between agencies is an important factor in identifying young people who are involved in CSE and in order to improve our practice, we retrospectively reviewed case notes of those identified as vulnerable to CSE by other agencies. <h3>Aim(s)/objectives</h3> To identify: was information shared when a risk of CSE was identified during the sexual health consultation? What is the prevalence of strong and warning signs of CSE in this population of young people attending sexual health services? <h3>Methods</h3> Retrospective case note review using our health authority tool for identifying CSE risks. <h3>Results</h3> 76 of the136 young people identified had attended our service. 39/76 (51%) had at least one strong indicator for CSE. 36/39 nine were known to social work. 38/39 had documented information sharing. 11/76 (14%) had at least one warning indicator and 26/76 (35%) had no identifiable CSE risk factors. 7/26 had information shared with social work. <h3>Discussion/conclusion</h3> Information sharing occurred for almost all patients identified with a strong risk factor for CSE. 49% of the young people identified by other agencies as at risk did not disclose information that strongly indicated CSE. Incorporation of the BASHH spotting the signs proforma and training to further increase staff awareness is being developed.

Keeping it from the community

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between forced marriage, running away/going missing and child sexual exploitation.Design/methodology/approach– An extensive research review and interviews with experts and practitioners across the three fields identified a total of 22 cases in which young people (aged 18 and under) had experienced some combination of all three issues. Of these, nine case studies involving South Asian young people were explored in depth using a case study methodology.Findings– Through adopting constitutive intersectionality as an analytical framework, the power of “community” emerged as a distinct theme within the cases. Concern about both family and community “honour” impacted young people’s decision making and help seeking processes. “Honour” also impacted parental responses to the young people as well as how they engaged with the professionals seeking to support them.Research limitations/implications– The safety of mothers also emerged as an issue, suggesting that this is an area for further research.Practical implications– Practical implications for practice included: the need to address barriers to young people disclosing abuse and entering into the criminal justice process; difficulties associated with finding safe spaces to work with young people; the need to identify effective ways of working with abused young people who are unable to draw on relational and social support; and dangers associated with accessing support services.Originality/value– An extensive review of the relevant research literature failed to uncover links between forced marriage, going missing and child sexual exploitation. This led the author to assert that the risk of child sexual exploitation as it relates to young South Asian young people who run away from home to escape forced marriage has been both under-acknowledged and under-explored (Sharp, 2013). Empirical research undertaken by the author over a 15-month period confirmed this assertion.