Many of the above points can only be confirmed by asking questions. If a child evades questions this is a strong indicator that something is not right.
However, it's unlikely that a young person will volunteer information. They'll only engage if a basic level of trust can be established. Asking questions can prove tricky for both the young person and the professional.
Young people may wrongly assume that a professional is not really interested in them and is only asking questions because they are obliged to. And professionals may struggle because they don't know how to deal with challenging behaviour or they are afraid of compromising evidence in court.
For more expert advice watch the CSE: the law and how to secure evidence video, part of a video series about CSE.
Tips
Don't ask leading questions. This could be interpreted as interfering with evidence and you could be accused of manipulating the child's version of events. Instead, ask questions so the child will give their own account of what happened.
- Don't ask: So he took you to … and then he …
- Ask: And what happened next? (open question)
Explain why you are asking questions. More importantly, explain what you are going to do with the information given. Tell the young person what you have heard them say so they are clear you understand what they are trying to tell you.
Create a safe environment. If you work in a busy environment see if there is a quiet room available.
Children and young people who are being exploited often use nicknames for themselves and their acquaintances. They may do this to protect themselves as they do not want to use their real name. It's important that you use the name the child wants to be known by.
You may not get all the answers in your first consultation. Some sensitive questions may need to be left for the next visit. Either arrange for a follow-up or, if you don't feel confident about handling the situation, arrange for an appropriate referral.
Some perpetrators insist that their victims carry their mobiles switched on and connected so they can listen to what is being said. Point out that hospital policy is for mobile phones to be turned off. The person listening will know it's not the child's decision to turn off their phone. Once the phone is turned off you should be able to speak more openly with the child. Similarly, if the child is in the company of an adult tell them that you’ll have to examine the child alone.
Keep a record of everything you do and that has been said. If it comes to a court case your records can be used as evidence.
If the young person is the victim of sexual abuse then everything from their clothes to the mobile phone could be potential evidence and building up a court case means collecting this evidence. One way to collect these items is to offer one-to-one replacements, including exchanging any money that has been handled by the perpetrator.
'What is child sexual exploitation?' – Use the definition below to explain the matter to children and young people.
"Sexual exploitation is when someone takes advantage of you sexually. They might use threats, bribes, violence, humiliation or tell you that they love you to gain power over you and to get you to do sexual things for their own, or other people's, benefit or enjoyment. This can include having sex, touching or kissing private parts, or taking sexual photos."
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