CEOP

The CEOP Safety Centre

The Click CEOP button provides a gateway to the CEOP Safety Centre.  Please click on the CEOP button if you require any of the following:

Information and advice on ‘Should I make a report to CEOP?’, ‘What happens when I make a report?’ and ‘How can CEOP help me?’ Signposting to CEOP partners such as Childline, who can offer help and support on issues outside of CEOP’s remit including online bullying. Reporting of suspected or known child sex offender activity directly to CEOP for investigation. Every report will be read by a Child Protection Advisor within the CEOP Child Protection team.

What is Child Sexual Exploitation?

Child Sexual Exploitation is a major Child Protection issue across the UK. Child Sexual Exploitation is when children and young people receive something - food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, or money etc - as an encouragement to perform, or as a result of performing (and/or others performing on them) direct sexual activities. Child Sexual Exploitation can also occur and progress through the use of the internet or on mobile phones.  In all cases, those exploiting the child or young person have power over them because of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or resources.

For victims, the effect and pain of their ordeal and fear that they will not be believed or may be at risk if they tell someone, means they are often too scared to come forward and report or tell what is happening.

Prevalence of Child Sexual Exploitation…

Child Sexual Exploitation is often a hidden issue, and therefore it is difficult to know the true figure of victims. However, it has been estimated that Barnardo’s worked with 1,940 children and young people last year alone, who have been sexually exploited.

The true number of children who are victims of Sexual Exploitation is likely to be much higher due to the reluctance of victims to come forward and disclose. 

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

WARNING SIGNS:

RISK FACTORS:

Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late Skipping school or being disruptive in class Appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that cannot be accounted for Experiencing health problems that may indicate a STI. Having mood swings and changes in temperament Using drugs and alcohol Displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviours Unexplained bruises

Homelessness Low self-esteem Recent bereavement or loss Children in care Young carers Being female Witnessing domestic violence, and drug or alcohol misuse History of abuse Residing in chaotic or dysfunctional households Low socio-economic status Living in a gang-effected neighbor hood Children or young people who have been trafficked into the country Children at risk of ‘honour’ or forced marriages

Who can you contact for advice?

CHILDLINE
24 hour helpline for children and young people under 18 providing confidential counselling
0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk

YOUNG MINDS
Information on a range of subjects relevant for young people and their emotional health and wellbeing
0808 8025544
www.youngminds.org.uk

MIND
Information on mental health
030 123 3393
www.mind.org.uk

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre- CEOP
http://ceop.police.uk

SAMARITANS
Confidential emotional support for anybody who is in crisis
08457 90 90 90
www.samaritans.org.uk

NSPCC
24 hour child protection helpline
0808 800 5000