Spotting the Signs

There are many indicators that a young person may be being exploited, however, even where several are present, it does not mean that they are being exploited.

Risk indicators include:
• Staying out late, beyond curfew, or not being where they should be
• Becoming secretive about how they are spending their time (including online) and stopping engagement with usual friends
• Changes in behaviour, for example severe mood swings, sharp changes in personality or being upset, withdrawn or distressed
• Exclusion from school or unexplained absences from or not engaged in school or college
• Periods of going missing overnight or longer
• Getting in or out of vehicles driven by unknown individuals
• Having a significantly older boyfriend, girlfriend or friend
• Unexplained amounts of money, clothing, jewellery, mobile phone or other items
• Excessive use of mobile phone that causes concern
• Involvement in criminal activity
• Evidence of drug, alcohol or substance misuse
• Recurring or multiple sexually transmitted infections
• Use of the internet that causes concern
• Multiple callers (unknown adults/older young people)
• Relationship with controlling individual
• Sexualised behaviour, language or an understanding of sex that is not age appropriate

Risk indicators should be considered in the light of additional vulnerabilities which may be present.

Heightened vulnerabilities include:
• History of neglect, abuse or domestic violence
• Breakdown of family relationships
• Low self-esteem    
• Recent bereavement or loss
• Social isolation 
• Family history of mental health difficulties
• Economic vulnerability
• Inappropriate accommodation/sofa surfing/homelessness
• Physical or learning disability
• Being in care
• Family history of substance misuse