The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA Centre) has just issued their document: Key messages from research on child sexual exploitation. The paper aims to provide succinct, relevant information for frontline practitioners, bringing together the most up-to-date research and supporting confidence for the best possible responses to child sexual abuse. The main points of the paper are:
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) happens when a child or young person is manipulated, coerced or deceived into sexual activity for someone else’s gain. This may involve adults or peers and can happen online, in person, or both.
Children cannot consent to exploitation even if they appear to agree or don’t see themselves as victims.
CSE is not always obvious. Exploitation does not always involve physical force. It may look like attention, gifts, affection, online contact, or peer pressure.
Any child can be exploited. CSE affects children of all genders, backgrounds and abilities. Vulnerability increases risk, but no child is immune.
Behaviour is often a signal. Changes in behaviour, emotional wellbeing, attendance, or friendships may indicate exploitation. These should be seen as safeguarding concerns, not discipline issues.
Children’s voices matter. Children may struggle to explain what is happening or may minimise harm. Listening carefully and taking concerns seriously is essential.
CSE requires a multi-agency response. No single service can address CSE alone. Effective responses rely on information-sharing, partnership working and early intervention.
- Be alert to patterns of concern, not single incidents
- Record and report concerns promptly to the DSL
- Avoid victim-blaming language or assumptions
- Work with safeguarding partners and don’t try to manage concerns in isolation
- Ensure staff receive regular training and supervision on CSE
More information about Sexual Abuse, including Harmful Sexual Behaviour can be found in safeguarding topics under Child Sexual Abuse
Some useful documents linked to Child Sexual Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation are below:
Annex_F_-_Keeping_children_safe_from_sexual_abuse_information.pdf
child_sexual_abuse_fact_sheet_parents_teachers_caregivers.pdf
What-you-need-to-know-about-child-sexual-abuse.pdf
Child Sexual Exploitation OSCP final.pdf
The multi-agency response to children who are victims of domestic abuse (January 2026)
The multi-agency response to children who are victims of domestic abuse (January 2026)report evaluates how local services work together to help children who are at risk from, or have been exposed to, domestic abuse. The findings come from joint inspections across six local authority areas across England.
Domestic abuse is one of the most common factors in child protection cases, as many as 1 in 7 children experience it. Exposure to domestic abuse can affect emotional wellbeing, behaviour, learning and long-term development. Children who witness abuse are also more vulnerable to exploitation and serious youth violence. A child-centred, multi-agency approach where agencies share information and act together is essential to protect and support these children.
Key messages:
1. Children must be seen as victims in their own right
Although the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act legally recognises children who see, hear, or suffer the impact of domestic abuse as victims, this is not always reflected in practice. In many areas, professionals remain more focused on adult victims, meaning children’s needs and experiences can be overlooked.
2. Early identification and intervention are vital
When practitioners fail to recognise signs of coercive or controlling behaviour, or do not link adult abuse with harm to children, opportunities for timely support are missed.
3. Children’s voices must be heard
There is too much variation in how well children’s experiences are captured, understood, and reflected in decisions about their support. Better listening and involvement of children in assessments and plans are needed so that help truly meets their needs.
4. Strategic leadership matters
Where local multi-agency partnerships prioritise domestic abuse and coordinate services effectively, practice is stronger.
What schools and settings need to know
Be alert to signs that a pupil may be affected by domestic abuse, such as changes in behaviour, attendance, anxiety, or regressions in development.
Understand that even if a child is not directly hurt, hearing or seeing domestic abuse makes them a victim under law and needs a safeguarding response.
Participate actively in multi-agency partnerships to share information and coordinate support.
Ensure children’s voices are heard in assessments.
Recognising children as victims, intervening early, working together, and listening to children must be embedded in safeguarding practice at every level.
Read the full publication at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-multi-agency-response-to-children-who-are-victims-of-domestic-abuse/the-multi-agency-response-to-children-who-are-victims-of-domestic-abuse
