Sexual exploitation of Boys and Young Men

The sexual exploitation of boys and young men does happen

The DCSF 2009, supported by research in the field acknowledges that boys and young men, as well as girls and young women can be sexually exploited. Research in this areas has been undertaken by Barnardos and an increasing body o knowledge of issues involved is developing (See link to resources). However there is a need for wider recognition and understanding of the issue.

Why does the sexual exploitation of boys and young men continue to go unrecognised?

Young men have explained that their sexual exploitation is often overlooked by practitioners. There is some evidence that young men who are being sexually exploited are more likely to be criminalised for their behaviour and viewed as a perpetrator. Young men’s victim hood often goes unrecognised and professionals may tend to focus on boys and young men’s outward behaviour, such as offending or drug and alcohol use, without questioning the reasons behind it.

Behaviours that may be likely to be recognised as evidence of risk for a girl or young women may be interpreted as a young man experimenting with their sexuality or demonstrating sexually harmful behaviours to others.

In addition boys and young men may be less likely to, or find it more difficult to disclose than young women. Without a disclosure it may be difficult for professionals to justify the time commitment to support a young man at risk of, or suspected of being sexually exploited.

How can you as a professional recognise that a young male is being sexually exploited?

Professionals need to see beyond the outwardly displayed behaviour of young men and consider the reasons behind it. Professionals need to consider how and why young men may have become involved with drugs and alcohol or ask how criminal behaviour has formed part of a young man’s life? The same questions should be asked of boys and young men as would be asked of girls and young women. Young men need to be reported missing just as readily as young women and the appropriateness of their relationships needs to be considered openly. Professionals need to provide consistent and reliable support without expectation of disclosure. Boys and young men are unlikely to disclose for a long time, if ever, and when other professionals are likely to have tired of ‘getting nowhere’.

National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People: Boys and Young Men’s Forum

If you would like to learn more about this area of work there are various training opportunities and you can also become a member of the National Working Group’s Boys and Young men forum which meets three times per year. For more details please contact Claire Connor at Safe and Sound Derby 01332 362120 or claire@safeandsoundderby.co.uk.

Details of forthcoming meetings for the Boys and Young Men’s Forum

A list of recommended resources for working with boys and young men