The 'missing' link in exploitation
There is a very real link between missing people and exploitation.
Regularly going missing is a sign of sexual or criminal exploitation and unfortunately many of the young missing people we deal with have been groomed by older people or have been pressured into joining a gang.
The reality is any child can be exploited for money, power or status, or become involved in exploitative situations, contexts or relationships, where the young person receives something, such as accommodation, drugs, alcohol, affection or gifts, in return for some kind of sexual act.
In many cases, both young boys and girls can also be groomed into carrying out criminal acts.
Frequently going missing from home may be a sign that a child or young person is falling victim to, or becoming more vulnerable to, exploitation of all kinds.
Between July and October 2022, we received 144 missing reports connected to 21 children aged 17 and under, who could be either a victim or at risk of exploitation.
Many young people don’t realise or believe they are victims or may be frightened of what may happen to them, especially if they have been coerced into sexual or criminal exploitation.
Often, they feel like they are in a real relationship and have complete trust in their abuser. They don't understand, or want to face up to the fact, that they've been groomed and they’re being abused, and so are unwilling to talk about what has happened to them.
In Bedfordshire we are working hard to raise awareness of and tackle this issue.
Operation Makesafe is a national initiative supported by the force to provide information to hotels, bars, clubs, fast food outlets and taxi companies around the county how to spot the signs of exploitation and know how to report it.
For example, a member of staff working at a hotel may notice some unusual behaviour, such as a young person or child with someone much older checking into the same room. They may recognise this as a sign that a child is being groomed and can call police on 101 quoting Op Makesafe. This will trigger a dedicated response so officers attending will know it is a possible CSE incident.
CSE is happening in our county, and it is important that we are all aware of the signs of exploitation of all forms, and how to report.
Safeguarding children is everyone’s business and we want to encourage people to speak out if they feel something isn’t quite right.
Here are some of the potential warning signs to look out for:
- Being on their phone a lot and being secretive about texts and calls they are getting
- Drinking alcohol and taking drugs
- Changes in their mood
- Frequently going missing or staying out late
- Hanging around with older people
- Expensive gifts they aren’t able to explain
You can find out more about all types of exploitation, including CSE, the signs to spot, how to report it and what to do if you are concerned that a child or young person is being exploited, by visiting the Bedfordshire Against Violence and Exploitation website.