Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

CSE can happen to both genders. Boys and young men are just as likely to be targeted as victims of CSE by perpetrators. However they may be less likely to disclose offences or seek support, often due to stigma, prejudice or embarrassment or the fear that they will not be believed. They may see themselves as able to protect themselves but in cases of CSE physical stature is irrelevant due to the coercion and manipulation used.

Find out more about CSE

Stop CSE

Say something if you see something!

Call Children’s Services if you have any concerns. You can also call the police on 111 or if you suspect that a crime is actually in progress, call the police on 999.

Children’s Services Duty and Assessment Team

020 8227 3811

Emergency Duty Team (out of hours)

0208 215 3000

CSE Awareness Day, 18 March

Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE, by encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children developing inappropriate relationships with other children.

Stop CSE Awareness Day