Definitions of risks

County lines

This is a form of criminal exploitation. It refers to illegal drugs being transported from one area to another by organised criminal groups. Children are often controlled, forced or manipulated into becoming involved.

Criminal exploitation

When an individual or group controls, forces or manipulates a child to commit crimes, we call this criminal exploitation. This is usually for the benefit of someone else. Children are often provided with something they need or want (for example money or drugs) in return.

Grooming

This is when someone builds a relationship, trust or emotional connection with a child in order to manipulate, exploit or abuse them. Grooming can take place over a short or long period of time. Children can be groomed online, in person or both. They can be groomed by a stranger or someone they know.

Missing

We term someone as missing when their whereabouts are unknown or are not in the place they are expected to be (for example school or college).

Modern slavery

Slavery is when a person is used by others for personal or commercial gain. The person looses their freedom and are forced into compulsory labour. Modern slavery refers to any act of slavery that takes place in present-day society.

Peer-on-peer abuse

Involves the harm or abuse of a child by another child. This can involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse or coercive control. There may be a power imbalance such as an age gap between the victim and the child causing the harm.

Radicalisation

Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. Some examples of extreme ideologies include far-right and Islamist extremism. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism.

Sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. It occurs when an individual or group coerces, forces or manipulates a child into any form of sexual activity. Sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact and can also occur through the use of technology.

Children or young people are often tricked into believing they’re in a normal, loving, consensual relationship. Sometimes they will be invited to parties and given drugs and alcohol. They may also be groomed online.

If you suspect a child may be at risk or have any information relating to child sexual exploitation, contact us as soon as possible or call the Police on 101.

Serious youth violence

Serious youth violence refers to violent acts or crimes where the victim is a child. This could include possession or use of weapons, robbery, murder, threats, assaults or wounding.

Trafficking

This is when people are moved around a country and forced to do things they don't want to do. This can include forced work, forced marriage, illegal adoption, and both sexual and criminal exploitation. Traffickers often use violence, threats or false promises to trick victims.