Sexual Exploitation

1. What is Sexual Exploitation?

Sexual Exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. Sexual Abuse is one of the ten categories of abuse and neglect identified within the Care Act 2014.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) definition of Child Sexual Exploitation can be adapted and used for Adult Sexual Exploitation and is as follows:

"sexual exploitation involves exploitative situations, context and relationships where individuals receive something (e.g. food, accommodation, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, money) as a result of them performing and / or others performing on them, sexual activities".

The definition developed by the Children's Society is also helpful:

'Someone taking advantage of you sexually, for their own benefit. Through threats, bribes, violence, humiliation, or by telling you that they love you, they will have the power to get you to do sexual things for their own of other people's benefit or enjoyment (including: touching or kissing private parts, sex or taking sexual photos)"

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.