“An abuse of a child’s vulnerability by a person’s position of power or trust, exploiting that position to obtain sexual services in exchange for some form of favour such as alcohol, drugs, attention or gifts” – Engage Team, Blackburn
You may notice a child that is:
- Often going missing/truanting
- Secretive
- Has unexplained money/presents
- Experimenting with drugs/alcohol
- Associating with/being groomed by older people (not in normal networks)
- In relationships with significantly older people
- Taking part in social activities with no plausible explanation
- Seen entering or leaving vehicles with unknown adults
- Showing evidence of physical/sexual assault (including STD’s)
- Showing signs of low self image/self harm/eating disorder