Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is defined by the UK government Department for Education as a form of sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.

According to the UK government definition, the victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual.

At the Ann Craft Trust, we have been working on research and training projects to distribute information about Child Sexual Exploitation since 2014, including the following projects.

Taking Time – Learning to Protect Disabled Children from Child Sexual Exploitation – 2014/15

Taking Time was a 12 month project funded by the Nottinghamshire Police & Crime Commissioner: Community Safety Fund 2014/15.

The project supported frontline workers across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s communities to build up their skills and knowledge around child sexual exploitation (CSE) and to safeguard young people with learning disabilities.

CSE & Learning Disabilities – National Working Group Partnership Project – 2017/18

We have worked in partnership with the NWG Network to develop two new training courses to meet the required levels of expertise of practitioners who work within the field of CSE and learning disabilities.

Both courses have been designed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of delegates, helping them to understand how the young person’s perception and understanding of the world around them is affected. Many young people do not have a specific diagnosis but have a variety of complex emotional and health needs. Delegates are encouraged to develop their practical skills to be able to help them prepare and support young people whether they have a diagnosis or not.

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To book a course or find out more about how we can help you, get in touch today.