scholarly journals Vulnerability and child sexual exploitation: Towards an approach grounded in life experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Brown
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Social Divisions ◽  
Structural Forces ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Social Marginality ◽  
Northern City

As child sexual exploitation (CSE) has risen towards the top of the UK’s political agenda, the concept of vulnerability has become a central frame through which to understand and address the issue. This article analyses problems with the concept of vulnerability as it is commonly understood in relation to CSE, taking first steps towards developing an empirically-grounded account of the notion which is more sensitive to the lived realities of victimhood for sexually exploited young people. Drawing on data from participatory qualitative research into life stories of ‘moving on’ from CSE in a large Northern city in England, the article illustrates how vulnerability is shaped through individual factors, situational dynamics and structural forces, connected by human agency through time. It argues that to respond effectively to vulnerability within the field of CSE, we need to move beyond discussion of ‘risk factors’ and denial of agency, towards an understanding of intersectional social divisions, social marginality, ‘critical moments’ and how these shape the investments and actions of vulnerable young people.

Understanding trauma and its relevance to child sexual exploitation

2019 ◽  
pp. 151-172
Author(s):  
Kristine Hickle
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Complex Trauma ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Extreme Stress ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Trauma Informed Practice ◽  
Trauma Responses ◽  
The Impact

This chapter provides a brief overview of the research on trauma, specifically in relation to the impact of developmental and complex trauma and sexual abuse. An overview of the growing body of research on trauma-informed approaches to practice is also given. It considers how trauma responses are developed while enduring extreme stress, and how these responses may be evident among children and young people with child sexual exploitation (CSE) experiences. The chapter also considers how systems designed to protect and support traumatised children and young people often contribute to their re-traumatisation. It explores principles of trauma-informed practice that are useful in meeting the needs of young people victimised by CSE, discusses how trauma-informed approaches align with strengths-based and relationship-based approaches to CSE practice, and how such approaches can help practitioners understand and promote resilience.

Strengthening (Re)integration from Child Sexual Exploitation: Children and Young People’s Recommendations

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-190
Author(s):  
Lopa Bhattacharjee ◽  
Helen J. Veitch
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Urban Community ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Financial Independence ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Care Leavers ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
New Community

This article explores care leavers’ views and recommendations for practitioners and policymakers on the transition from leaving care to living independently in the community. Seven young adults fully reintegrated through programmes in Kathmandu, Nepal, co-produced action research with 21 of their peers (aged 16–26 years). This article outlines how children and young people affected by child sexual exploitation experience community reintegration, and their views on the key issues, reintegration services need to consider. Findings explored boys’ and girls’ experiences of stigma and discrimination by community members and revolved around social and cultural norms and narratives on masculinity and femininity that denied their victimhood. This article focuses on the theme of independence as it appears to reflect a changing context for reintegration practitioners in South Asia. Children and young people had not been reintegrated in their family; instead, they were living independently—a situation that can be described as ‘integration’ (with an urban community) rather than ‘reintegration’ (with their family of origin). Research participants’ exploration of ‘independence’ reflected this context and was defined as emotional or financial independence. The research appears to identify an adaptation to reintegration services to enable a smoother transition for care leavers. Most models of reintegration assume that children will ‘reintegrate’ with their families of origin. This research found that children sexually exploited in Kathmandu chose to ‘integrate’ into a new community to overcome isolation, exclusion and non-acceptance by their families and communities of origin and, in so doing, experienced emotional and financial independence. In this context, successful integration requires the provision of activities for parents that explain indicators of trauma so that they can appropriately support their children. In addition, support for care leavers targeted on psychosocial wellbeing, life-skills and income generation enables young people to live independently from their families and be ‘integrated’ into an urban community.

scholarly journals Working with and Negotiating ‘Risk’: Examining the Effects of Awareness Raising Interventions Designed to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Weston ◽  
Gabe Mythen
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Context Sensitivity ◽  
Individual Behaviour ◽  
Behaviour Management ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Awareness Raising

Abstract This article considers the effects of an educational intervention with young people designed to reduce the risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE). Drawing on findings from a qualitative study, we consider processes of engagement with the initiative, the relevance of the strategy adopted by the delivery team and the impacts on the perspectives of young people targeted. Focusing on mutually constitutive problems of context sensitivity, recognition of ambiguity and the silencing of alternative narratives, we raise several critical caveats that should be considered in the design and implementation of future CSE awareness raising initiatives. Overall, we aver that an unstinting focus on individual behaviour management unduly responsibilizes young people and draws inflexible demarcation lines between appropriate and inappropriate sexual conduct.

Child Sexual Exploitation: Why Theory Matters

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Therapeutic Work ◽  
The Public ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Improve Practice

The issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE) is firmly in the public spotlight internationally and in the UK, but just how well is it understood? To date, many CSE-related services have been developed in reaction to high profile cases rather than being designed more strategically. This book breaks new ground by considering how psychosocial, feminist and geo-environmental theories, amongst others, can improve practice understanding and interventions. It makes the case for a more thoughtful approach to CSE prevention and a greater use of different theoretical perspectives in the development and delivery of strategies and interventions. The book is an essential text for students and those planning strategic interventions and practice activities in social, youth and therapeutic work with young people, as it supports understanding of how CSE arises and how to challenge the nature of the abuse.

Utilising the arts to tackle child sexual exploitation

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Claire Cody
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Potential Use

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential use of creative, arts-based methods to address child sexual exploitation (CSE) through connecting with and supporting young people affected by CSE; and engaging the wider community through awareness-raising and education to help keep young people safe. The use of the arts in building understanding, promoting agency, educating and countering negative portrayals of those affected by CSE are also explored. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review identified that there is currently a limited evidence-base surrounding the use of arts in addressing the negative outcomes for young people affected by CSE and promoting the inclusion and safety of young people in the community. To explore the potential use of the arts in engaging young people and the communities they inhabit, this paper draws from research with other “hard to engage” and stigmatised groups, and learning from efforts to tackle other sensitive and challenging issues that impact on communities. Findings – The paper suggests that despite the relatively young evidence base concerning the role of creative, arts-based methods to tackle CSE, there is relevant transferable learning that suggests that there is potential in utilising the arts to help prevent CSE and promote community safety. Research limitations/implications – There is a clear need to consider the ethical implications of this work and to further examine how the arts may be utilised to tackle CSE and bring about positive outcomes for both individuals and for the wider community. Originality/value – The paper brings together bodies of literature from other fields to explore the potential use of creative arts-based methods to tackle a significant contemporary issue of community safety.

Safe foster care for victims of child sexual exploitation

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Elizabeth Shuker
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Child Sexual Exploitation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of a pilot of specialist foster care for children at risk, or victims, of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and/or trafficking. Design/methodology/approach – The research adopted a multi-case study approach, gathering placement documentation, interviews and weekly monitoring logs throughout the duration of the 13 placements. Findings – This evaluation found that safety for those at risk, or victims, of CSE within the in-care population has both a physical and a relational element. The most successful placements were able to deploy restrictive safety measures effectively by tipping the balance of care and control towards demonstrations of compassion and acceptance. Good relationships in these foster homes unlocked other positive outcomes, including reduced missing incidences and increased awareness of exploitation. Research limitations/implications – The small sample size within this pilot project suggests the need for further research to test the applicability of the notion of multi-dimensional safety to young people’s welfare more generally. Practical implications – The findings confirm previous research that highlights the importance of stable relationships in child protection. They have implications for current tendencies to commission short-term CSE interventions that are unlikely to create the relational security that can improve community safety for young people. Originality/value – This is the first published evaluation of specialist accommodation for those affected by CSE in the UK, and its findings will therefore be of most value to commissioners and providers of care to looked after young people. The concept of multi-dimensional safety will be relevant to those with responsibility for child welfare/safeguarding.

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