Exploitation is abuse. It happens when someone takes advantage or forces you to do things that you do not want to do. This is often for their own benefit, but it might not seem like that when it starts.
You might also hear people talking about ‘Harm Outside the Home’ – because this type of abuse happens online and in places away from home, like hotels, other houses, parks and takeaways. It can happen to any child or young person. You might not realise that it is happening to you. Abusers are clever – they pretend to care about you, or they threaten you. It does not mean that you are weak.
Not In Our Community: Anywhere Kids on YouTube explains some signs to look out for, what to do and how to get help if you are worried about you or someone you know.
Abuse can be
- Sexual – being forced or tricked into sending nude pictures, touching someone’s private parts or having sex with someone. This can happen online or face-to-face. It can also happen in groups. It’s Not Okay has real stories of young people who have been abused.
- Criminal – being encouraged, tricked or forced to break the law, for example stealing or taking drugs. County Lines is where someone makes you move drugs or weapons from one place to another. Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner: County Lines on YouTube is a real-life story to help you learn more about the signs and how to get help.
Telling someone
Young people tell us they would tell a friend first if they were worried about exploitation. You might worry about telling an adult in case this breaks a friend’s trust, or you get called a grass.
You can stay 100% anonymous and pass on any information to Fearless or call 0800 555 111
Fearless: reporting a crime at fearless… how it works on YouTube tells you more about how it works.
Getting help
- Childline: Child trafficking and exploitation – get help and support if you are worried
- Your Police UK – learn more about online harm, the law and how police can help you