Are we being complacent about Child Sexual Exploitation/Abuse
Fifteen years ago, most people didn’t realise the extent of child sexual abuse and exploitation, didn’t understand it could happen to anyone or anywhere and weren’t able to recognise the signs. Specialist support through charities or local authorities or the police was largely non-existent. There wasn’t even a specific crime that referred to grooming – although rape and sexual assault were definitely crimes however convictions were still very low. Consent was misunderstood by the victims and those supporting the victims and those in authority. Prejudices about what a victim “should” look or sound like during police statements or in court were also common.