Child Sexual Exploitation is happening in the UK
Child Sexual Exploitation (usually referred to as CSE) is when anyone under the age of 18 is encouraged, forced or manipulated into sexual acts, often in exchange for something (for example alcohol, cigarettes, mobile phones, gifts, money, drugs or love). CSE happens at a variety of premises including taxi ranks, shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and leisure centres.
Many people have heard about CSE happening in other parts of the country but find it hard to believe it’s happening in their own area. The truth is that CSE is happening in across the UK and we all need to know about this form of child abuse. Being aware of it is the first step towards putting a stop to it, and supports the national campaign to protect children from CSE.
Due to the international, national and local increase in reports of CSE, everyone has a duty to act if they suspect a child is being sexually exploited.
Taxi drivers are in a unique position to help
Evidence shows that taxis are often used to transport children (both girls and boys) from and to various locations including town and city centres, cafes and take away outlets and public transport hubs where they may be at risk of exploitation. Bright World Guardianships believes that taxi drivers should see it as their responsibility to look for and report signs of CSE, as with other staff and partners who work with the company.
Exploited children are usually too terrified and ashamed to ask for help themselves. Taxi drivers have a duty of care while the children are in your vehicle and are in a unique position to notice when all may not be right with passengers. Taxi drivers are the eyes and ears of the community and are in a position to be able to pass their concerns on to the police – and potentially save a child from further abuse.
“I had a gut feeling that something was wrong.”
Sometimes that’s all it takes. A little piece of information from you could help us build the bigger picture.
It’s never the child’s fault
CSE is a crime that can affect any child, anytime, anywhere, regardless of their social or ethnic background. Bright World students can be at risk of this form of abuse due to their age, unfamiliarity with the area, possible language and communication issues, homesickness or occasionally alcohol or drugs. These factors can make them vulnerable to being targeted and could lead them to make un-wise choices which we need to protect them from.
CSE can be carried out by individuals (men and women), by street gangs or by groups. It can be motivated by money or by sexual gratification. But in all cases, there is an imbalance of power – vulnerable children are controlled and abused by adults or by other children.
The grooming process
Perpetrators gain control over children by grooming them, this can be in person, via mobiles or online, offering excitement, drugs, alcohol, gifts and affection. At first, this control may take the guise of ‘romance’ or ‘friendship’.
But once a child does something – even something really small – that they know they might get ‘in trouble’ for, they become vulnerable to blackmail. As the exploitation gets worse, terrifying threats and violence may be used to keep children compliant. They are sexually exploited not just by the original perpetrators but often by many other abusers.
It’s a trap
Exploited children are trapped because they often believe the abuse is their own fault – they fear they will be blamed or punished if they tell anyone what is happening. They are ashamed of what they are forced to do and are scared they will not be believed.
In many cases, children believe they are in a loving relationship with their exploiter. What’s more the perpetrator will do everything they can to isolate children further by convincing them that their families do not really understand or love them.
How can this affect taxi drivers?
CSE may give you cause for concern for a child or young person and you should report worries that you have for:
- Young people (both girls and boys) being collected and taken to hotels/b&bs/parties at odd times
- Young people being picked up from other cars
- Young passengers who look worried, frightened or distressed in the company of adults
- Young passengers who are in a vulnerable state due to excessive drink or drugs, and who don’t know where they are going, accompanied by adults
- Young passengers being dropped off at any location or venue that causes you concern
- Frequent suspicious activity in the same place
- Men who regularly request taxi rides to and from location – taking young people with them.
- Young passengers going to A&E or clinics accompanied by someone who is not a parent
- Young passengers conversation in your vehicle
What to do
Make a note of your information and call the police on 101 for a non-emergency report – or 999 if you believe the young person could be in immediate danger and is an emergency – and say you are concerned about possible CSE
If the child concerned is a Bright World student then please call our office number if between 09.00-17.30 Mon-Fri or all 01272836060 if out of hours to report what action you have taken.
Concerns can be reported to our DSLs Robbie Piper or Lana Foster on 01273 835745 or email robbie@brightworld.co.uk or lana@brightworld.co.uk please call the out of hours emergency number to speak to the On Duty Manager on 01273 836060.
Don’t hesitate. Your information, however small it may seem, can help build a bigger picture.
Information to share and report should include:
- Names
- Locations and addresses
- Descriptions of people
- Car registration plates, make and models of vehicles
- Description on suspicious activity
Additional safeguarding
If you refuse to take a young person as a passenger because they are too intoxicated, tell your controller so they can get assistance to them by informing the ambulance service, police, or door staff. If they are a Bright World student please call 01273 836060 to report.
Record any refusals – dates / addresses / phone numbers / descriptions
Always get a specific address from passengers
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