Sexual Exploitation

Young people who come out need support and advice to make informed decisions about their future.

Young people who grow and develop in environments that are free from homophobia and intolerance, have good pastoral support and education about sex and sexuality are less likely to become the victim of sexual exploitation.

Sexual exploitation is the coersion of young people into an inappropriate lifestyle e.g prostitution or inappropriate relationships e.g with an older adult.

Lesbian and Gay Young People are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation as they are more likely to be dealing with their thoughts and feelings privately, as a result they can be led into arenas which can be completely inapproapriate to their age and experience. The correct advice and support for Young LGBT's is crucial, especially at a young age, to avoid exposure to adults and environments which will harm them.

Support through LGBT Youth Groups is preferencial to young people finding gay friends solely through the 'gay scene', as this is generally an adult oriented social scene based around pubs and clubs.

The internet can be a useful place for information and advice for young LGBT, but websites should be vetted. Professionals working with young people should discuss the pro's and con's of the internet and explain that not everyone will be who they say. Gay dating websites are inappropriate for young people as they could be subject to sexual exploitation by an older adult. Young people and young gay men in particular could be exposed to 'renting' or 'escorting' via the internet, this is prostitution by another name, if you suspect a young person is selling sex then you should act according to your child protection procedures.

A clear distinction should be made between child protection disclosures and disclosures that a young person is LGB. A young person coming out is not a child protection issue. However, in some circumstances, child protection mechanisms may need to be triggered as a result of a young person’s disclosure of abuse or exploitation. Young LGB people, like young heterosexual people, may come to you with an issue about sexual abuse or exploitative relationships with adults. In such circumstances the professional will need to act quickly and decisively to ensure the safety of the young person concerned. Under these circumstances confidentiality cannot be maintained and you must follow local policies and procedures for reporting incidences of abuse. In light of this, professionals should be aware that as a result of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2001, the age of consent between two males was equalised and is now 16 for everyone.

If you have any concerns about Sexual Expolitation, you should act immediately. Further advice can is available on the Banardos website