Sexual Exploitation

"Sexual exploitation is sustained through coercion, deception and control. Our expert evidence helps the courts see the full picture - beyond myths and stereotypes - so victims are recognised and protected.

- Dr. Grace Robinson, Director

What is Sexual Exploitation?

Sexual exploitation involves causing or facilitating another person to engage in sexual activity or imagery for someone else’s gain through force, coercion, deception or abuse of power.
It includes child sexual exploitation (CSE), exploitation linked to trafficking, sexual exploitation within domestic servitude and exploitation facilitated online (e.g., grooming, image-based abuse, sextortion).

Who is Affected by Sexual Exploitation?

Children and adults of any gender or background can be victims; marginalised groups and those with prior trauma, care-experience, homelessness or insecure immigration status face heightened risk.
Perpetrators may be individuals, intimate partners, peers, family members or organised networks.

Relationship Between Modern Slavery and Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a core form of modern slavery and frequently overlaps with trafficking, forced labour, criminal exploitation and coercive control.
While trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation is common, this form of exploitation may occur without any cross-border movement.

Examples of Sexual Exploitation in the UK

Children groomed and exploited by organised groups, as seen in Rochdale where seven men were convicted for sexually exploiting vulnerable girls through intimidation, manipulation and abuse.
Children coerced into online sextortion schemes, with offenders threatening to release intimate images unless money is paid.
Women advertised on pimping websites and controlled by exploiters, prompting the UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner to launch an investigation into online platforms enabling sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Signs of Sexual Exploitation

The way in which sexual exploitation presents can vary greatly. However, some indicators may include controlling or unequal relationships, sudden access to money, transport or accommodation that is managed by others, and secrecy around movements or associates.
Victims may receive unexplained gifts, stay frequently in hotels or B&Bs or show reluctance to disclose where they have been. Physical indicators can include injuries, substance abuse, or signs of distress or dissociation.
In cases involving children, indicators often include periods of going missing from home or care, association with older peers or adults and sudden changes in appearance, behaviour or peer group - all of which may signal grooming or ongoing exploitation.

Characteristics of Sexual Exploitation

Targeted grooming: exploiters identify and befriend victims through attention, gifts or promises of affection, safety or opportunity.
Exchange or expectation: sexual activity is demanded in return for money, protection, drugs, accommodation or basic needs.
Power imbalance: exploiters hold control through age, gender, social status or emotional manipulation.
Isolation: victims are separated from support networks, families or communities, often moved between locations.
Coercion and control: threats, blackmail, debt or violence are used to maintain compliance.
Multiple perpetrators: organised networks or “boyfriend” models involving group offending and shared victims.
Trauma bonding: victims develop emotional attachment or loyalty to exploiters despite ongoing abuse.
Online facilitation: social media, messaging apps and image-based abuse are used to recruit, advertise and control victims.

Best Practices in Identifying and Acting for Victims of Sexual Exploitation

Build trust with a trauma-informed, non-judgemental approach; avoid victim-blaming language.
Map coercion and control (who, how, where); record patterns, communications, payments, movements.
Coordinate with statutory and third-sector partners (police, social care, health, specialist NGOs).
Refer to the NRM as soon as possible and ensure safeguarding, safety planning and independent advocacy.

The Law – Section 45 in Sexual Exploitation Cases

Section 45 provides a statutory defence for victims of sexual exploitation who have committed criminal offences due to exploitation (with distinct tests for adults/children).
We assess grooming, coercion, threats and trauma responses to determine links between exploitation and alleged offending (including charges such as controlling prostitution for gain, brothel-keeping, immigration/ID offences).

What is the Role of an Expert Witness in a Sexual Exploitation Case?

We provide independent, evidence-based assessments of sexual exploitation indicators in legal cases.
Our reports explain grooming patterns, coercive control, online and in-person recruitment methods and the psychological impact of sexual exploitation.
We assess vulnerabilities, trauma responses and the wider context of exploitation to help courts understand behaviours that are often misinterpreted as “choice”, including returning to exploiters, delayed disclosure and apparent non-compliance.

Step-by-Step Process for Instructing a Sexual Exploitation Expert Witness

Contact us to discuss the case issues.
Agree scope and timelines.
Share case materials (police files, ABE/ABE-style interviews, digital evidence, NRM papers).
We review materials, assess your client and deliver a court-compliant report.
We can attend hearings to give evidence as required.

Tips on Instructing a Sexual Exploitation Expert Witness

Specify the questions to be addressed; provide full disclosure (including digital downloads, health records).
Consider psychological/psychiatric input - especially where trauma, PTSD or dissociation are indicated.
Allow sufficient time for analysis and for trauma-informed assessment.

Founded by Dr Grace Robinson in 2019.

OUR PRIMARY AIM IS TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF MODERN SLAVERY.

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