Exploitation: Sexual Exploitation

1. What is Sexual Exploitation?

Exploitation is a form of abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a person into activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

Although exploitation is abuse, sexual exploitation is not an offence in its own right. The offences that form part of a SE case can include sexual offences, kidnap, torture, assault, and trafficking.

Adults can be sexually exploited in many ways. Examples include:

  1. Rape (which can include rape by a partner, if the sex is unwanted – no means no, with no exception);
  2. Sexual assault;
  3. Being tricked or manipulated into having sex or performing a sexual act;
  4. Being trafficked into, out of, or around the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation (i.e. prostitution);
  5. Being forced to take part in or watch pornography;
  6. Being victim to revenge porn (when a previously taken video or photograph, which was taken with or without consent, is shared online).

2. Who is most at Risk?

Anybody could be a victim of sexual exploitation. While a majority of victims are women, men can also be victim.

The following are especially vulnerable:

  1. Victims of domestic violence and abuse;
  2. Drug and alcohol users;
  3. Homeless people and those with limited or no immigration status;
  4. Nightlife / weekend party goers;
  5. Adults with physical, learning or mental disabilities;
  6. Victims of forced marriage.

3. Perpetrators of Sexual Exploitation

Anybody could be a perpetrator of sexual exploitation. Commonly, perpetrators include:

  1. Partners (boyfriends/girlfriends or husbands/wives);
  2. Family members;
  3. Gang members (organised traffickers or drug gangs);
  4. Drug and alcohol users;
  5. Illegal taxi drivers.

4. Indicators

Signs that an adult may be a victim of sexual exploitation include:

  1. Demonstrating signs of domestic violence and abuse;
  2. Becoming alcohol dependent or a user of drugs;
  3. Changes in behaviour and emotions;
  4. Testing positive for sexually transmitted infections;
  5. Their passport or identity documents taken away;
  6. They have been subject to a forced marriage.