In safeguarding, CSE stands for Child Sexual Exploitation. It is a form of child sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate, or deceive a child or young person under 18 into sexual activity. This exploitation often involves an exchange where the child is given something they need or want, such as gifts, money, drugs, affection, or status, in return for sexual activity. The abuse can happen in person or online and does not always involve physical contact. Children may not recognize they are being exploited because they might believe they are in a consensual or loving relationship, or they may be too scared to disclose the abuse
. Key points about CSE include:
- It involves an imbalance of power based on factors like age, gender, cognitive ability, or access to resources.
- The exploitation can be hidden and children may be groomed into trusting their abuser.
- It can have serious long-term effects on the child's physical and mental health.
- Children exploited in this way are unlikely to tell anyone due to fear, confusion, or manipulation
Thus, CSE is recognized as a serious safeguarding issue requiring awareness, early identification, and appropriate intervention to protect children and young people
