What is exploitation?
Exploitation is a form of abuse where someone is forced or coerced into doing things for the benefit of others. Anyone can be a target for exploitation, but some people can be at more risk because of money, social or health issues, or because of their age or immigration status. Within exploitation threats and punishments can often be violent, but not always, and people may also be coerced or groomed.
Types of exploitation can include:
Sexual exploitation/’grooming’ - A form of sexual abuse where people are encouraged, manipulated or forced to participate in sexual acts. They may be threatened with violence and may be groomed by offers of affection, money or gifts.
Criminal exploitation-when people are made to commit crimes like shoplifting, pickpocketing or stealing fuel from cars
Modern slavery - Modern slavery can include human trafficking, enslavement, domestic servitude and forced labour.
Cuckooing – Cuckooing is a practice where people take over a person's home and use the property to facilitate exploitation.
County Lines – County link is where drug dealers in major cities establish networks for the supply and sale of drugs to users in towns and rural areas, using other people (typically those who are young or otherwise perceived as vulnerable) to carry, store, and sell the drugs.
There are some common signs that can be seen across all areas of exploitation. These include:
- Someone acting as if instructed by another, as though they are forced or coerced to carry out specific activities
- Demonstrating signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as lacking self esteem, seeming anxious, bruising or untreated medical conditions
- Someone seeing to be bonded by debt or has money deducted from their salary
- Has little or no contact with family or loved ones
- Is distrustful of authorities
- Has threats made against themselves or family members
- Is not in possession of their own legal documents