What is Exploitation?

The word exploitation means to make use of something or someone in a way which is not fair. It can be used in lots of different scenarios, but when we use it, we are talking about somebody treating a child or young person in a way that is unfair and dishonest, for their own gain. It is about somebody taking advantage of somebody else to get something they want.

When we talk about exploitation in a safeguarding context, we are talking about a type of abuse that can include one or more of:

Sexual Exploitation

Where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to manipulate or deceive somebody into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

Criminal Exploitation

Radicalisation

Modern Slavery

when an individual or group violates the human rights of somebody by using force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, or deception, to keep that person in a position of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour. People can be trapped working for no money, or to pay off debt, and they cannot voluntarily leave this work or choose to work somewhere else. This can happen in businesses, such as farms, car washes, nail bars, restaurants or hotels, or in private homes working as cleaners, gardeners or providing childcare.

If somebody is under 18 when they are exploited it is a form of child abuse. The terms Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) are used when people under 18 are exploited in these ways.