- Change in physical appearance new clothes, more/less make up, poor self image, weight gain/loss
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Expressions of despair (self-harm, overdose, eating disorder, challenging behaviour, aggression, appearing drunk or under the influence of drugs/alcohol, suicidal tendencies, looking tired or ill, sleeping during the day.)
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Indicators of CSE in conjunction with chronic alcohol and drug use
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Becoming involved in criminality/repeat offending
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Increased use of online gaming including Xbox
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‘Sexting’ (the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones)
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Getting into cars with unknown adults or associating with known CSE adults
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Reports of being involved in CSE through being seen in hotspots (i.e. in certain flats, recruiting grounds, cars or houses and maybe in company of known CSE adults)
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Being secretive or withdrawn
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Associating with other sexually exploited children
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Unsuitable or inappropriate accommodation (including street homelessness, staying with adults known to be involved in CSE and living in a place where needs are not met)
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Living independently and failing to respond to attempts by workers to keep in touch.
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Having money, mobile phones, credit for mobile phones, sim cards, cloths, jewellery or other items without plausible explanation and not given by parents/carers
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Having possession of hotel keys/key cards or keys to unknown premises
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Knowledge of towns and cities they have no previous connection with
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Disappearing from the ‘system’ with no contact or support
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Frequent use of public transport
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Being taken abroad by family members (forced marriage)
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Being taken to clubs and hotels by adults and engaging in sexual activity
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Receiving rewards of money or goods for recruiting peers into CSE or just introducing peers to known adults
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Having multiple mobile phones, sim cards or use of a mobile phone that causes concern; multiple callers, more texts than usual
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Unusual association with taxi drivers/firms
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Isolated from peers and social networks; not mixing with their usual friends
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Being a victim of honour based violence
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Regularly coming home late or going missing overnight or longer
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Older ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’ or relationship with a controlling adult
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Becoming disruptive at home or school or using offensive language
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Child under 13 engaging in penetrative sex with another over 15 years
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Child under 16 meeting different adults and exchanging or selling sexual activity
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Experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol
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Exclusion and/or unexplained absences from school or not engaged in education or training. Non school attendance or excluded due to behaviour
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Volatile/criminal behaviour
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Indicators of CSE alongside serious self harming behaviour
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Sexually transmitted infections/ pregnancy
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Having increased health/sexual health related problems
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Having marks or scars on their body which they try to conceal by refusing to undress or uncover parts of their body
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Multiple miscarriages or terminations
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Being defensive about where they have been and what they have been doing
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Use of the internet that causes concern including possible use of web cam
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Sexualised risk taking including on Internet and mobile phone
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Association with gangs
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Removed from known ‘red light’ district by professionals due to suspected CSE
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Being hostile or physically aggressive in their relationship with parents/carers or other family members
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Associating/developing a sexual relationship with older men or women
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Physical or emotional abuse by that ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’ or controlling adult
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Being taken to brothels/massage parlours
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Returning home after long intervals but appearing well cared for
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Lack of positive relationship with a protective, nurturing adult
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Breakdown of residential placements due to behaviour
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Overtly sexualised dress
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Receiving rewards of money or goods for recruiting peers into CSE or just introducing peers to known adults
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Abduction and forced imprisonment
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Being bought/sold for sexual acts