Young people subjected to a grooming process are usually tricked into believing that they are in a loving consensual relationship. They come to trust their abuser, without understanding that all along this is leading to their being abused. Former headteacher Michael Evans considers the links between child sexual exploitation and gangs.
Introduction
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse. Exploitation occurs when a child or young person receives gifts, drugs, money, status, affection, or even threats, in exchange for performing sexual activities.
