We know that young people often engage in risk taking behaviour and seek belonging with groups or individuals who are inappropriate. There is sometimes cause for concern that can lead to individuals exploiting children’s vulnerabilities of nativity for their own advantage. Children can be exploited by adult males or females, as individuals or in groups. They may also be exploited by other children, who themselves may be experiencing exploitation. In this situation we will consider all children as victims.
Exploitation or abuse will be in exchange for something the victim needs or wants (for example, money, gifts or affection). It could also simply be an idea of getting an increased status from associating with these people.