The first national study of child exploitation in Scotland – „Sexual exploitation of children involved in the children’s hearings system” – calls for further efforts to increase communities’ and agencies’ awareness as cases are identified in 27 of 32 local authorities.
Definition: „crime as a form of child sexual abuse in which a person or people of any age takes advantage of a power imbalance to force or entice a child into engaging in sexual activity in return for something received by the child and/or those perpetrating or facilitating the abuse.”
The findings, coming from the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration and the charity Barnardo’s Scotland, show that the abuse of the boys is often overlooked. 80% of boy victims of sexual exploitation had not been identified as such in official reports, while this percentage is 25 for girls.
Stark differences between boys and girls:
Boys were more likely to have been exposed to violence and display sexually harmful behaviour than girls. Girls were more likely to be reported to have a much older boy/girlfriend, be victims of sexual abuse, have attempted suicide, self-harmed and be sexually active.
Andrew, a 14 years old boy, lived with his mom and stepdad, became involved in low level anti-social behaviour, started truanting from school, ran away from home, disengaged with his family. He started drinking and spending the nights with at a men’s house. Dropped out of school, sent inappropriate messages to a girl from school and was charged. Had a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old drug dealer. Fortunately, his dad moved back to Scotland and re-established their relationship. Andrew returned to school, stopped going to the men’s flat, started college and improved his relationship with his family.
There are so many stories out there, like Andrew’s and not all of them ends happily. "Child sexual exploitation is a particularly hidden form of sexual abuse and crime. Victims may not be aware that they are being sexually exploited; such is the coercive nature of perpetrators and the control they exert over their victims.” – said Alistair Hogg, head of practice and policy at SCRA. The aim of the report to raise awareness on child sexual exploitation and help professionals to ensure they are asking the right questions, at the right time and in the right way in order to reduce inconsistencies in reporting and help identify potential victims.