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PROTECTING CHILDREN - A SHARED RESPONSIBIITY
Appendix 6: Potential indicators of involvement in sexual exploitation and prostitution
The indicators should not be read as a definitive list and should not be taken, in themselves, as proof of involvement in prostitution or sexual exploitation. They are intended as a guide which would be included in a wider assessment of the young person's circumstances.
These indicators may include:
- physical symptoms (bruising suggestive of either physical or sexual assault);
- prevalence of sexually transmitted infection;
- young person known to be sexually active;
- reports from reliable sources suggesting the likelihood of involvement in prostitution;
- reports that the child has been seen in places known to be used for prostitution;
- evidence of substance misuse;
- leaving home/ care setting in clothing unusual for individual child (inappropriate for age, borrowing clothing from older young people);
- reportedly consorting with unknown adults outside the usual range of contacts and/or other children known to be involved in sexual exploitation;
- phone calls or letters from adults outside the usual range of social contacts;
- adults loitering outside the child's usual place of residence;
- significantly older 'boyfriend';
- accounts of social activities with no plausible explanation of the source of necessary funding;
- persistently missing or returning late with no plausible explanation;
- returning after having been missing, looking well cared for in spite of having no known base;
- missing for long periods with no known base;
- possession of large amounts of money with no plausible explanation;
- acquisition of expensive clothes or other possessions without plausible explanation;
- low self image;
- history of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect;
- truancy;
- entering or leaving vehicles driven by unknown adults;
- going missing and found in areas where the child or young person has no known links;
- possible inappropriate use of the Internet and the forming of relationships, particularly with adults, via the Internet.
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