Sexual exploitation
Sexual exploitation does not just happen to children – anyone aged over 18 can also be a victim. It is when someone takes advantage of you sexually by using threats, bribes or violence.
It can affect any gender or sexuality. Forms of sexual exploitation include:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Being tricked or manipulated into a sexual act
- Being trafficked into, out of, or around the UK to be sexually exploited
- Being forced to take part in, or watch pornography
- Being the victim of revenge porn, when a sexually explicit video or photo of you taken with or without your consent, is shared online
Some adults, such as those with mental health issues or physical disabilities, are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation because they might rely on other people to look after them.
What are the signs?
If someone tries to pressure you into sexual activity with the promise of gifts, or by using threats or violence, it is a sign that they are trying to exploit you.
You might be concerned that someone you know is being sexually exploited. The following are all common signs of sexual exploitation:
- Self-harm or a significant decrease in emotional wellbeing
- Developing a relationship with an older person, or someone who is very controlling
- Becoming cut off from family and friends
- Going missing without explanation
- Having unexplained money, new clothes or mobile phones
- Receiving an excessive amount of texts or phone calls, possibly from multiple callers, some of them unknown
What could happen?
As with all types of exploitation, you might feel comfortable to start with, but when things get worse and you want to escape, you feel trapped and unable to get out of the situation.
Being sexually assaulted can affect your physical and mental health and can make it difficult for you to have normal relationships in the future.
You could be forced into sexual activity with strangers and this could expose you to violence, sexually transmitted infections and for women, becoming pregnant.
If you are encouraged to use drugs and alcohol it could leave you unable to make decisions about your safety and vulnerable to being exploited. If you become dependent on drugs or alcohol, you might be willing to do whatever it takes to feed your habit and this also makes the risk of exploitation higher.
Sometimes if a person is trying to control you, they will attempt to separate you from your family and friends. You can be left feeling very isolated and as well as the impact on your mental health, it can make it more difficult to ask for help and find a way out.