If something doesn't feel right, don't wait, report it.
How to report it
In an emergency
Call the police on 999 if the crime is happening right now, the suspect is still at the scene, or anyone is seriously injured or in immediate danger.
In a non-emergency
Contact the police to share information, suspicions or details that can wait a day or two.
You can contact the police by:
Contact Crimestoppers if you would prefer to make an anonymous report and it is a non-emergency.
You can contact Crimestoppers by:
- phone: 0800 555 111
- reporting it on the Crimestoppers website
Exploitation
Exploitation takes place when others take advantage of the power imbalance between them and children. They may force, trick or coerce them into criminal activity. Exploitation affects children from all walks of life. This includes girls, boys, LGBTQ+ children, disabled children, children from ethnic minority backgrounds and, increasingly, younger children. It is a form of abuse that has a serious impact on children, their families and our communities.
People who exploit children come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Exploiters can perpetrate this type of abuse alone, with others, online, offline and through complex organised crime networks.
Children are never responsible for the exploitation which they experience and, in all matters, they should be treated as victims of abuse. Children should be given help and protection, to keep them safe and be supported in order for them to recover from their experiences.
Exploitation is a complex form of abuse which can be hard to spot or identify. We know that many children show no external signs of abuse through their behaviour. Children often do not tell anyone about the abuse they are experiencing. At first, they may not even realise that what is happening to them is wrong.
You might spot signs of child exploitation. By reporting it, children can be rescued, freed from exploitation and evidence can be gathered to prosecute abusers.
Learn more
Call the NSPCC if you would like to speak to a trained professional who can provide expert advice and support if you are concerned about a child.
You can contact the NSPCC by:
- phone: 0808 800 5000
- email: help@NSPCC.org.uk
You can learn more about exploitation on the Children's Society website. They also provide free online training. View the programme of learning section for training dates and times.