Sadly, we have heard from a number of survivors of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and sexual exploitation (SE) who have been retraumatised by political and media discussions on group-based CSE.
Below are some organisations which provide legal, practical, and mental health support if you have been affected by CSE, SE or CSA in the headlines. Organisations with an asterisk * are modern slavery specialists. Please note that these organisations are mostly based in the UK only.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999
Support as a victim of exploitation / modern slavery
As a victim, or survivor, of sexual exploitation, no matter how long it has been since it happened to you, you may still may be entitled to some form of mental health support, financial subsistence, compensation or other entitlements through the ‘National Referral Mechanism’ (NRM). The NRM requires you to share some evidence of your exploitation. The NRM can be beneficial where you receive a positive decision, but there may be some cases where a negative decision affects immigration or criminal justice proceedings.It is important to get advice on the NRM and check if the process is right for you.
The following modern slavery charities can support you at various stages of the NRM, and some may be able to talk through options with you:
- Salvation Army*: Runs a confidential helpline for potential victim-survivors open 24/7 (0800 808 3733), and offers modern slavery support which can include legal advice, healthcare, educational opportunities, financial help and employment/training support. Website / Contact
- Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit (ATLEU)*: Legal advice for non-recent and recent survivors of exploitation where a case can be opened under legal aid. Advice can relate to housing and support, immigration status, challenging unlawful decisions by public bodies, compensation, employment, or cases against the police or public authorities.
Website / Contact
- Hope for Justice*: Specialist advice, advocacy and signposting on modern slavery survivor care for survivors and professionals.
Website / Contact
- Modern slavery and exploitation helpline*: The charity Unseen runs a 24/7 helpline offering information, advice, and guidance on modern slavery and exploitation (08000 121 700). Website / Report concern
Support as a victim of abuse / sexual violence
Charities beyond those in the modern slavery and exploitation sector may be able to offer you advice and support too:
- NSPCC: If you suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited, you can access advice through the NSPCC’s voice helpline (0808 800 5000), their website or email. Website / Contact
- Childline: If you are 17 years old or younger and you suspect you are being abused, contact their helpline for free (0800 1111), email them, or send a web form for advice. They also provide a webchat for one-to-one counselling online. Website / Contact
- Victim Support: Offers practical and emotional support for victims of crime online and via 24/7 supportline (08 08 16 89 111), and can provide support in court proceedings for survivors in need of a Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). Website / Live chat
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: Runs a 24/7 support line (0808 500 2222) and provides longer-term support for women who have experienced sexual violence (including child sexual exploitation and abuse). Website / Contact
- Survivors UK: Supports male and non-binary victims of sexual violence through practical and emotional support, and runs a helpline (020 3322 1860) open 12-8pm, for both adults and young people. Website / Web form
Mental health support
- NHS 111: If you are in need of urgent mental health support dial 111 and press 2 when prompted. Website
- Mind: Runs a confidential helpline (0300 123 3393), and provides online information / access to local Mind associations that provide services like therapy, advocacy, and employment schemes. Website
- Rethink mental illness: Runs a helpline (0808 801 0525), webchat, and provides information and advice on mental health, treatment, care, benefits, and employment rights. They also provide some advocacy, housing, and carer support. Website
- Young Minds: Offers advice, information, and resources on mental health to young people, and their parents, carers, and professionals. Website
- Black Minds Matter: Offers free mental health support to Black individuals and families, including therapy, education, and advocacy. Website
- Secrets Worth Sharing: Secrets Worth Sharing runs events, workshops, talks and forums for survivors of child sexual abuse and professionals looking to adopt a trauma-informed approach. Along with the CSA Centre, they run the React Network, a space for people of colour who are working in the field of childhood sexual abuse for children of colour. The group meets quarterly and is still in it’s early planning stages. Website / Contact (React Network) / Contact (Secrets Worth Sharing)
- One in Four: Offers support to survivors of sexual abuse and trauma. They provide counseling, advocacy, and other services. Website
- Traumascapes: London-based, survivor-led, trauma-focused, and trauma-sensitive creative workshops, programmes, and peer support. Website / Contact
Please note that whilst After Exploitation works alongside experts who have lived experience of modern slavery, including SE and CSE, on campaigns and research we do not provide front-line support.
After Exploitation 