What is CSE?

CSE Definition

What is CSE?

You may have heard the term Child Sexual Exploitation or CSE in school, on TV or maybe even friends talking about it but what does it mean?

There is no simple, easy way to define it that encompasses everything that it could be. Sexual Exploitation happens in different ways but it can happen to ANY young person regardless or background, age, gender, race or sexuality. It also happens both in the real world and online.

A group of young people affected by CSE came up with the following words to describe what they thought it was. For them it wasn’t just one word but a whole load of words that described both what happened to them and how they felt during and after.

 

CSE or Grooming can be very difficult to identify as the people who groom and exploit young people can be very clever, secretive and often form emotional connections with you so you feel that you are in a real relationship however often your gut tells you when something isn’t right – listen to it!

If you feel scared, controlled, pressurised or forced to have sex, worried about a relationship, isolated by a partner then Tell someone like a friend, parent or teacher. If you don’t feel you can tell someone you can anonymously call or text 116 000 at any time of day or night. Always remember if you feel in immediate danger call 999 for the police.

It is NOT OK for someone to expect you or your friends to do things you don’t want to.