Child Sexual Exploitation - non-disclosure

What are the reasons for a child or young person not disclosing Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

The reasons why a child or young person may not disclose CSE are both many and complex.  In many cases they do not recognise that they are a victim of CSE.

The following is a list of reasons why children and young people do not always disclose CSE:

• Fear that perceived benefits of exploitation may outweigh the risks e.g. loss of or supply of alcohol; drugs; the relationship and associated love and attention
• Fear of retribution on self or family or that situation could get worse
• Fear of violence within exploitative relationship;
• Shame
• Fear of not being believed
• Fear of labelling e.g. being a prostitute or being gay
• Fear of separation from family and/or threat of being placed in secure accommodation
• Loss of control; fear of Police involvement and court proceedings
• Don't recognise they are being exploited