Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is defined as a form of sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual activity, for any of the following reasons:

In exchange for something the victim needs or wants
For the financial advantage, increased status or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator
Through violence or the threat of violence, this could be online or through technology.

Staff at Brookfield School recognise that CSE can occur over time or be a one-off occurrence, and may happen without the pupil’s immediate knowledge, e.g. through others sharing videos or images of them on social media. Brookfield school will recognise that CSE can affect any pupil who has been coerced into engaging in sexual activities, even if the activity appears consensual; this includes pupils aged 16 and above who can legally consent to sexual activity. Brookfield school will also recognise that pupils may not realise they are being exploited and they believe they are in a genuine romantic relationship.

Staff will be aware of the key indicators that a pupil is the victim of CSE, including:

Appearing with unexplained gifts, money or new possessions.
Associating with other children involved in exploitation.
Suffering from changes in emotional wellbeing.
Misusing drugs or alcohol.
Going missing for periods of time or regularly coming home late.
Regularly missing school or education or not taking part.
Having older boyfriends or girlfriends.
Suffering from sexually transmitted infections.
Displaying sexual behaviours beyond expected sexual development.
Becoming pregnant.

Where CSE, or the risk of it, is suspected, staff will discuss the case with the DSL. If after discussion a concern remains, local safeguarding procedures will be triggered.

If you have any concerns relating to CSE, please contact one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads at Brookfield and they will be happy to offer advice and support.