Education and Child Matters

I AM L.I.P

I am a Litigant In Person

Child Prostitution

 

WHAT IS CHILD PROSTITUTION?

Child prostitution is the commercial sexual exploitation of a child. The child is offered to many individuals for sexual activity in exchange for money as well as drugs in some cases.

The child may receive money, food, gifts, or could be paying off a debt to engage in and perform sexual activities.

Children can be prostituted on the streets, brothels, hotels, massage parlours or at gatherings and parties in restaurants.

Child prostitution is a form of child sexual exploitation.

AS A PARENT HOW DO YOU HANDLE YOUR CHILD WHEN THEY INFORM YOU THEY HAVE BEEN PROSTITUTED? 

It can be very shocking to learn that your child has been prostituted. Upon hearing the news you may be left upset, hurt, scared and distressed. Your world has suddenly turned upside down. You will have thousands of thoughts and questions racing around in your head. Be easy on yourself, don’t blame yourself and start thinking you could have been a better parent and start preparing yourself mentally to handle the situation with kindness, care and dignity. Follow the steps below.

Go hug your child and show them some love – Please remember prior to informing you that they have been prostituted, your child will have spent days terrified with the thought that they would have to face you. They will be traumatised themselves. Therefore, before dealing with your own reaction please give them a hug and reassure them that together you will get through this and that you are with them.

Your reaction can either calm your child down and keep the situation in hand. Your support will carry them through all the emotions, any health concerns and other issues they will face.

Let your child speak – Listen quietly and carefully to your child. 

  1. Hold their hand if they are accepting to it. 
  2. Tell them they have done the right thing by informing you. 
  3. Do not interrupt them as they speak. 
  4. At this stage, do not ask many questions. Let them get it all out. 
  5. Try not to react. Stay calm.
  6. If your child sees you distressed, they will close up, 

Inform your child they are not at fault – Your child needs to hear you believe that they are not at fault for what has happened. This will go a long way in them feeling that they must not punish themselves for what has happened.  

Inform your child you believe them and are taking what they have said seriously – It is important that your child hears the words that you believe what they are saying. This will give them confidence to open up more. The word that you are going to take what they say seriously conveys that you are going to protect them and do something to stop what is happening to them.

Inform your child what you are going to do to keep them safe – Tell your child they are now safe and nobody is going to hurt them. You will take care of them and report the perpetrator(s) to the police. 

HOW CAN A PARENT PREVENT THEIR CHILD BEING PROSTITUTED?

Communicate with them from a young age regularly – Have an open and honest discussion with your child from a young age about prostitution. Explain the harm it can do to their life. 

Once you have explained to your child that child prostitution is wrong and dangerous, support them if they are distressed and/or frightened – Be vigilant about how you can support them. 

  1. If they are scared about an incident, inform the school, the police or your local authority child services.
  2. Spend time with them and ask if they would like you to walk with them when they go out. 
  3. Give them a phone with credit so they can call you when they feel scared.
  4. They can also call 999 if they feel threatened.
  5. Make sure the route they choose to come home is safe.
  6. Go over scenarios where your child knows what to say if they get themselves into trouble or they come across someone who wants to harm them.
  7. Encourage them to walk away from the perpetrator.

Try to be observant and know what your child is up to – There are many things we as parents can do to ensure our child is protected.

  1. Know your child’s circle of friends and who they hang out with. 
  2. Inform your child that their friends are welcome to hang out at your place if you are able to.
  3. Be aware of where your child goes after school and at weekends
  4. May sure they are not hiding dangerous things in their possessions.
  5. Be aware of what your child views on social media.
  6. Be aware of what your child is ordering online.

Try and build a positive trusting relationship with your child – Your child should be able to come to you and talk to you, share their fears or when they feel scared or threatened. They will do this if you are approachable, you do not react and do not take what they say personally. When your child comes and talks to you it is about them, how they feel and what is happening to them. It is not about your parenting. It isn’t an opportunity to blame yourself. Your child will approach you if you:

  1. Listen intently without interruption.
  2. Do not judge them
  3. Do not take what they say personally 
  4. Understand their reasons
  5. Do not react in a negative manner
  6. Try and find a positive outcome for your child.
  7. Support them through the whole episode.

WHO DO YOU REPORT CHILD PROSTITUTION TO?

There are many ways you can report child sexual prostitution

You can contact the Police – You can dial 999 if a child is at immediate risk or a crime has been committed. Alternatively if there is no emergency you can dial 101 or file a report online. 

LINK TO POLICE WEBSITE TO REPORT A CRIME ONLINE 

You can contact Crimestoppers – You can report a crime anonymously to crimestoppers. Their telephone number is 0800 555 111

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CRIMESTOPPERS.

WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?

You can contact NSPCC – If your child has been prostituted you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police. 

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US

You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline.  You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has been prostituted

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US 

You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

You can contact VICTIM SUPPORT – Victim support is a charity that can help individuals who have been the victim of a crime. They have a free confidential support telephone line and live chat. They are independent of the police.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR VICTIM SUPPORT – CONTACT US 

You can contact other organisations – 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE TO CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.

You can read our help guide for where you can reach out to get help if your child is a victim – 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR WHERE CAN YOU REACH OUT TO GET HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM 

WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?

Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has been prostituted and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CHILDLINE – CONTACT US