"At the time I thought it was normal" Dr Jane Dodsworth Centre for Research on Children and Families School of Social work University of East Anglia

1. Routes into sexual exploitation: personal
perspectives about going missing, agency and
victimhood
‘At the time I just thought it was normal’
Dr Jane Dodsworth
Centre for Research on Children and Families
School of Social Work,
University of East Anglia
Funded by BASPCAN

2. Context:
‘If you start your problems don’t stop…it just ends up being a way of life.’
Increased awareness and concern about the extent of child sexual exploitation
(CSE) across the UK.
Many young people involved in CSE have childhood histories of adversity.
Increasing understanding of vulnerability to CSE for those who have experience
of the care system and/or of going missing from care or home (Smeaton 2012,
Sharpe 2012).
The sense made of childhood and later experiences impacts on how young
people perceive themselves, their sense of victimhood or agency, the directions
their pathways take and their receptiveness to safeguarding services.

3. Background to the study:
“How did it make me feel the first time? It doesn’t make me feel.”
Young people involved in CSE particularly those with a history of care &/or of going
missing are often disempowered from having any agency over decisions affecting their
lives (APPG 2012, Pearce 2011)
Older young people often don’t ‘fit’ or are ‘invisible’ to the services provided (Pearce
2011) as was often evident in recent reports on Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford and
other areas. (Jay 2014, Coffrey 2014, Bedford 2015)
We need to know more about the circumstances of going missing & involvement in
CSE from the perspectives of those involved.
How do they make sense of their experiences?
How do their perceptions of risk & protective factors influence their sense of whether
they are victims of their circumstances or have agency in the choices they make?
How do their perceptions influence outcomes & how can this inform practice for the
better?

4. Aims of the study:
“ I don’t think I was aware of what I was giving away to people”
To gain an understanding of the experiences and perspectives of young
people who became involved in CSE, particularly those who have run
away from care/ home and are involved in substance misuse.
To identify whether it is possible to determine risk and protective factors
in terms of young people’s perceptions of agency and victimhood.
To inform LSCBs’ understanding about service provision for working
with young people at risk of CSE which has meaning to the young people
involved.

5. Research questions:
“I had to grow up pretty quickly. I was scared most of the time”
 Are there identifiable risk and protective factors in the pathways of
young people who go missing from care/home and become involved
in CSE?
 How does going missing from care/home impact on a sense of
victimhood or agency in involvement in CSE?
 What can be learnt from the expertise of those directly involved in
CSE about what type of service provision works or could work?

6. The Study
(Funded by the 2012 BASPCAN Annual Research Award)
“I‘ve got an incredible need to be wanted by someone, but I’ve never had time on my own to
learn to love myself’”
A qualitative grounded theory approach was used to examine the pathways
of participants
-to ensure that analysis was derived inductively from the data
In-depth, semi-structured interviews which charted a chronological route
through participants’ childhood,
-and for some, adult experiences.

7. Sample:
“They thought I was running away from confrontation, but I was running away from everything”
Recruitment via LAs & specialist agencies in 4 areas of the UK
15 participants (1 male & 14 females) All 15 had run away from home or care
12 participants were white/British, 2 mixed heritage/British & 1 Asian/British
Ages ranged from 16-57
 Age of first experience of CSE ranged from 13 to 23.
7 still involved, 8 have exited
9 remain substance users.
2 participants became involved in CSE via the internet.

8. Methodological issues and limitations
“I obviously had no one to look after me”
LAs approached committed to the research, but access difficult at front line level:
- court proceedings,
-young people forgetting/changing their minds,
-professionals ‘gate-keeping’ to safeguard vulnerable young people
So some participants were older than anticipated
- However, this proved to be an enriching part of the analysis in terms of
identifying differences and similarities over time
The accounts are subjective and retrospective which could be problematic
- However, it was the subjective experiences and truths that the study aimed to
address so this was not a limitation

9. Key Findings:
“The older I got the more exploited I felt and the more exploited I became”
Several ‘push’ &/or ‘pull’ factors (Hayes and Trafford 1997), interconnected and
overlapped with incidents of going missing.
 The meaning participants gave to these experiences in terms of their agency or
victimhood, appeared to precipitate them along different pathways.
-For some this entrenched them further in CSE
-But for others it enabled them to see alternatives as possible for them.
A further defining characteristic, as Sharpe (2012) & Smeaton (2012) also observed, is
that going missing, depending on when, and how frequently, it took place
-was both a ‘push and a pull’ factor.
Key in determining outcomes
-participants’ sense of victimhood & consequent vulnerability, or their sense of
agency & demonstration of resilience at different points in their lives
-And whether & when they received appropriate support.

10. Participants’ pathways
Early childhood history of
neglect/sexual/physical/emotional abuse,
rejection, loss and abandonment
(push)
Early childhood history of over strict over
controlling, often low warmth parenting
(push)
Feeling different/adrift
‘slipped through the net’,
Identity confusion,
isolated/ self-harming/
substance use
(push)
Need for
affection/
approval
(push/pull)
Rebellion/ peer pressure or
copying peers
(pull)
Going Missing
To/from
(push/pull)
Child Sexual Exploitation
Availability of secure
base relationship
support
Exit because, with
support, alternatives
are seen as possible &
deserved
Remain involved but gain
support to consider
alternatives to
involvement in selling sex
Need for recognition of the risks and the availability of appropriate support
:

11. Four broad themes developed from analysis of the data
“I was scared of my parents and always sad. I wish I’d never been born into that family”
“I just think what is meant to be is meant to be. It all happens for a reason”
Although not mutually exclusive, these four themes reflect how the meaning
given to experiences of abuse, rejection, loss, rebellion and issues of identity
confusion determined pathway outcomes:
The impact of ‘push/pull’ factors on pathways taken
The impact of going missing on pathways taken
The impact of perceptions of agency/resilience and victimhood/vulnerability
on pathways taken
4. Participants’ perceptions of how services can help

12. 1.The impact of ‘push/pull’ factors on pathways taken
“We were locked in our rooms and neglected but we didn’t see anything wrong with it. I just
accepted it really, that’s the way it is. You never fully heal”
11 participants experienced childhood abuse, neglect and loss.
-All 11 went missing from home or care
4 participants recalled some happy early childhood memories
-but also had memories of over-strict controlling or distant parents or step-parents .
Recalled experiences of the care system were no more positive
Participants felt different & isolated from family
Negative ‘push’ factors coupled with a strong sense of victimhood and fatalism pushed some
towards more risk taking
For others, a sense of rebellion also pulled them onwards towards taking bigger risks.

13. 1.The impact of ‘push/pull’ factors on pathways taken continued:
“I just took so much drugs it was untrue. I just blotted it out in the end...I didn’t really value sex
as an intimate thing. I just thought it was something you made money from”
Alcohol & drug use were significant
-as a way of being coerced into CSE,
-or as a way of blocking out the experience,
-or both.
For all participants a need to seek affection and approval was both a ‘push’ & a ‘pull’ factor.
For some, a lack of childhood affection & approval pushed them towards seeking it,
-often in inappropriate places,
-& becoming groomed for CSE
For some participants the ‘pull’ of the feeling of being wanted was difficult to give up.
To find affection and approval, or to escape abuse & neglect,
-all 15 recalled going missing from home, from care or from exploitative situations.

14. 2. The impact of going missing on pathways taken
“They thought I was running away from confrontation, but I was running away from everything”
Going missing took place in two main directions:
-Going missing from home/care resulting in an increased risk of CSE
-Going missing to escape CSE
 Routes were determined not only by ‘push/pull’ factors but by perceptions of victimhood or
agency
For some going missing led to CSE and CSE led to going missing compounded by feelings of
victimhood.
Others with a greater sense of their own agency were able to see alternatives as possible &
exit

15. 3. The impact of perceptions of agency and victimhood on pathways taken
How individuals made sense of their experiences of risk & protection
-impacted on whether they saw themselves as victims & out of control
-or as being able to exercise agency in their lives.
Perceptions of victimhood
“The older I got the more exploited I felt and the more exploited I became”
 For many accumulated risk factors in childhood, often compounded by going missing, led to
further risky situations often including CSE.
Perceptions of agency
“Drugs were going to kill me; I started to value myself even though I needed the money for drugs”
Other participants, whilst expressing a sense of victimhood about their early experiences, had
begun, with support, to develop a greater degree of self-worth

16. Perceptions of victimhood/vulnerability and agency /resilience
Perceptions of victimhood/
vulnerability
-leading to involvement in CSE
Entrenchment in CSE and often in
substance misuse
Exiting and exercising agency in
pursuing alternative less risky
pathways
Perceptions of agency/resilience
-despite involvement in CSE Continued involvement in selling sex
but with a perception of agency
about how this happens
Exiting CSE but maintaining
victimhood by engaging in other
risky behaviour

17. 4. Participants’ perceptions of how services can help
“I love the project because they understand me, my personality, everything. They’re like family to
me……a comfort blanket”
All participants saw the need for support services.
All wanted ‘someone to be there’.
What varied were perceptions of what, when & how ‘someone being there’ was most helpful.
Many wanted someone to ‘be there’ as a replacement ‘family’ they felt they had never had.
Some participants saw the whole organisation as important in supporting them.
For others it was specific workers who had provided support for other issues as well as for CSE
which made the difference.
All wanted to be listened to & not judged.
Some wanted to be involved in peer education & support.

18. Conclusions:
“You’ve got to go at their pace, you’ve got to listen, you’ve got to get the bigger picture”
Key to positive outcomes
- is the meaning given to significant experiences, risk & protective factors.
If negative meanings are given to these factors & internalised a sense of victimhood often
becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy
Conversely, for those who see these factors as challenges to overcome, & themselves as
deserving better, the outcomes are more positive.
What is clear is the central importance of the availability of a wide range of awareness raising
and support services
The most effective way forward is;
-early intervention
-relationship-based practice which develops a secure base relationship
-from this those involved in CSE can begin to develop qualities of resilience & believe
alternatives are possible

19. Recommendations:
“After it was found out, I got a lot of support.If only there could have been support before that”
Going missing as an indicator of the risk of CSE must continue to be prioritised & acted upon
by safeguarding agencies.
Co-located multi-agency teams & clear information sharing practices are key in identifying &
supporting those at risk of CSE.
The voices of young people with experience of CSE must be a central part of multi-agency
training and peer education programmes.
Awareness raising and support should also be available for parents & the wider community
What is currently largely missing from service provision are the long-term relationship based
therapeutic services.
-this ‘secure base’ provision aims to develop resilience and promote agency for all those
at risk of, involved in, or experiencing the consequences of CSE.

20. Some positives…….
“I couldn’t have coped with half of the stuff that I had to go through if it wasn’t for these
(specialist project), they’ve been a saviour to me. There should be more places like this.”
(‘Clara’)
“The social worker was really kind, she really gave me a childhood & sometimes I didn’t
deserve it.” (‘Zee’)
“The project worker was everything that I could possibly need, & still is now. It doesn’t
have to be a CSE issue, it can be any issue & she’ll still do everything she can to help
me.” (‘Ali’)
“Just listen, just actually listen & take into account what they’re saying, just remember
what they actually say to you. Because at the end of the day that’s all we need, for
someone to listen to us.” (‘Jillie’)

21. References from the main report
 Bedford, A. (2015) Serious Case Review into Child Sexual Exploitation in Oxfordshire: from the experiences of Children A, B, C, D, E, and F Oxford OSCB
 Beckett, H. (2011) Not a world away: The sexual exploitation of children and young people in Northern Ireland, October, Barnado’s Northern Ireland
 Beihal N. Mitchell, F. and Wade, J. (2003) Lost from view: Missing persons in the UK, The Policy Press. Bristol
 Bowlby, J., (1988) A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. London: Routledge.
 Coffey, A (2014) Real Voices Child Sexual Exploitation in Greater Manchester An independent report by Ann Coffey MP October 2014(www.itsnotokay.co.uk)
 Coy, M. (2008) Young Women, Local Authority Care and Selling Sex: Findings from Research, British Journal of Social Work 38(7) 1408-1427
 Department for Education (2014) Statutory guidance on children going missing from home or care. January 2014. Crown Copyright 2014
 Department for Education (2012) Tackling child sexual exploitation action plan. Progress Report. Crown copyright 2012
 Department for Education (2014) Statutory guidance on children who run away or go missing from home or care. Crown copyright 2014
 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation: Supplementary Guidance to Working
Together to Safeguard Children, HM Government Crown copyright 2009
 Dodsworth J. (2014) Routes into sexual exploitation: personal perspectives about going missing, agency and victimhood Centre for Research on Children and
Families www.uea.ac.uk/crcf
 Dodsworth J., (2012) Pathways through sex work: childhood experiences and adult identities. British Journal of Social Work, 42 (3), 519–536.
 Glaser, B, Strauss A. (1967) Discovery of Grounded Theory: Aldine: Chicago
 Hayes, C. and Trafford, I., (1997) Issues for voluntary sector detached work agencies. In Barrett, D. (ed.) Child Prostitution in Britain: Dilemmas and Practical
Responses. London: The Children’s Society. pp 59-75.
 Jago S., Arocha L., Brodie, I., Melrose, M. Pearce, J. and Warrington, C. (2011) What’s going on to Safeguard Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation?
How local partnerships respond to child sexual exploitation. October, University of Bedfordshire, UK
 Jago S. and Pearce, J. (2008) Gathering evidence of the sexual exploitation of children and young people: a scoping exercise, University of Bedfordshire, September
 Jay, A. (21 August 2014) Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham 1997-2013 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council 2014
 Pearce, J. (2013) ‘What’s Going On’ to Safeguard Children and Young People from Child Sexual Exploitation: A Review of Local Safeguarding Children Boards’ Work
to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation. Child Abuse Review DOI: 10.1002/car.2269
 Pearce, J. (2009) Young People and Sexual Exploitation: ‘It’s not hidden, you just aren’t looking’ Abingdon: Routledge
 Pearce, J., (2010) Safeguarding young people from sexual exploitation and from being trafficked: tensions within contemporary policy and practice. Youth and Policy
No. 104 pp1-11
 Rutter, M.(1985) Resilience in the Face of Adversity protective factors and resistance to psychiatric disorder, British Journal of Psychiatry, 147 pp.598-611.
 Sharp, N. (2012) Still hidden? Going missing as an indicator of child sexual exploitation Missing People www.missingpeople.org .uk
 Smeaton E. (2012) Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and child sexual exploitation Barnado’s Essex
 Shaw, I. and Butler, I., (1998) Understanding young people and prostitution: A foundation for practice? British Journal of Social Work 28 pp. 177-19.
 Sroufe A. (1997) Psychopathology as an outcome of development, Development and Psychopathology 9 (2) pp.251-66.
 The All Party Parliamentary Group for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Looked After Children and Care Leavers
( July 2012) Report from the joint Inquiry into children who go missing from care
 Warrington, C., (2010) From less harm to more good: the role of children and young people’s participation in relation to sexual exploitation Youth and Policy No.104
pp 62-79