Version control
| Version number | Date | Author | Comments |
| 001 | 15/01/2025 | Louise Andrews | |
Overview
| Name of product under development or review | YMCA DownsLink Group– WiSE |
| Description of the product | YMCA WiSE is a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Project which works in the South East. They are based within YMCA DownsLink Group and work with children and young people up to 25 years old. Their primary focus of work is supporting young people affected by exploitation by raising awareness, educating and empowering. The following roles are currently funded by the Surrey Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and projects secured by the OPCC. WiSE Project workers – working with young people at risk of child sexual exploitation. Using a relationship-based approach, the WiSE Project Workers will deliver targeted interventions to children & young people who are victims of sexual exploitation (or considered at significant risk). Interventions will be delivered through direct 1:1 casework support, using tailored tools and resources available to the WiSE team. Engagement with WiSE will be voluntary and not time limited. This proven delivery model will enable children and young people to build trust in the workers and actively participate in the support offered. The Project Workers will also deliver group work programmes as and where needed, and act as consultants to other professionals who may have existing and effective relationships with children and young people who may be at risk, or victims of CSE, but need some practical guidance and resources to inform their practice. WiSE workers will provide dedicated support for children and young people affected by CSE to help them cope, recover and rebuild their lives. Children and young people affected by CSE often do not see themselves as “victims” due to grooming that has taken place. The WiSE workers will provide both emotional and practical help and better equip them to identify and exit coercive and exploitative relationships. WiSE project manager -As well as providing line management support to the Project Workers, the WiSE Project Manager will attend all the Multi Agency Exploitation Children’s Conference (MAECC) and other CSE related meetings and events in Surrey, represent YMCA WiSE and offer specialist input into strategic and operational discussions. WiSE Child Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CISVA) – To work in the North of the county. The role will increase the support currently offered to young people under 26 who have been identified as being at risk of exploitation. They will provide specialist trauma-informed casework support to young victims of sexual exploitation. They also support with The Preventing VAWG and Supporting children project funded by the Home Office until March 2025. Early Intervention Worker (EIW) – To build upon existing specialist child sexual exploitation support work that YMCA WiSE currently deliver across Surrey. Schools, youth clubs and statutory services will identify children and young people who are ‘at risk’ to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The EIW will provide short term trauma informed holistic support either through one-to-one brief educational interventions or peer group work. If a child disclosed abuse or exploitation a more in-depth package of support can be created around the child’s need. A definition of CSE can be find on the Barnardo’s website as follows: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/child-abuse-and-harm/definitions#child-sexual-exploitation |
| EIA start date | 29/01/2024 |
| EIA author and role | Louise Andrews Surrey OPCC |
| EIA owner and role | Lucy Thomas – Policy & Commissioning Lead for Victim Services |
| Date of last review | N/A – published on 15th January 2025 |
| Date of next review | 15th January 2026 |
Key product development dates
To evidence PSED compliance, equality and inclusion must be considered throughout the life cycle of a product. You can do this by integrating EIA reviews into key product development stages. List your product’s key stages and the dates you will review your EIA here.
| Key stage | Date |
| Victims Fund 24/25 – funding from MOJ | April 2025 |
| Home Office funding 24/25 – Prevention VAWG and Supporting Children project. | April 2025 |
Research and evidence
To undertake effective equality assessment that meets PSED compliance standards, you must work from an evidence base. Use this section to list the research you will use to understand the product’s potential or actual equality impacts (for example, surveys, customer feedback, protected characteristic data, academic research).
- The latest Surrey census information: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/sources/census_2021/report?compare=E10000030
- YMCA Downslink MOJ reports – includes details around those who access this service and their protected characteristics.
- Feedback from YMCA service users – YMCA Downslink obtain customer feedback from young people using their service as well as their parent & carer during engagement and prior to closing.
- YMCA Downslink use monitoring forms at the beginning and end of group work sessions reflecting on what has been learnt.
- YMCA Downslink – Home Office reports – includes details around protected characteristics.
- Feedback from the PVSC project – Surrey Healthy Schools PSHE training
- Surrey Police CSE force data.
- YMCA Downslink Group Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- NSPCC website – https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-abuse-and-neglect/child-sexual-exploitation
- Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/_RotherhamResponse – Home Office, March 2015
- Report of Inspection of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (Casey, L, 2015) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/_Rotherham_Report
- The Barnados website – https://www.barnardos.org.uk/
- Child Sexual Exploitation A Guide for Parents and Carers Providing Care, Support and Protection to children at risk of or who have been harmed by CSE PDF – Barnados
- Justice Inspectorates website – Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)
- Child sexual exploitation – Definition and a guide for practitioners, local leaders and decision makers working to protect children from child sexual exploitation– Department of Education, Feb 2017 – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/CSE_Guidance_Core_Document_13.02.2017.pdf
- Statistics about births and conceptions: parental characteristics, home births and birthweight | Surrey-i (surreyi.gov.uk)
Consultation record
Stakeholder consultation will give you a better understanding of your product’s impacts and is crucial to satisfying the PSED requirements. Use this section to record the engagement you have undertaken, summarise the feedback received and note subsequent actions. This section can also be used to record nil returns.
| Name of group or organisation | Date of contact | Date reply received | Feedback | Action taken or reason why no action was taken |
| Surrey Healthy Schools – PVSC project | May 2024 | May 2024 | Feedback from the day 2 (May 2023) of the PVSC PSHE training was really positive, and some delegates mentioned the WISE input explicitly in their feedback stating it was helpful. Feedback from Surrey Healthy Schools has been that the WISE input to the training ‘was very relevant and fitted in very well with the rest of the training’. | Positive feedback about this service – The service is aware of this feedback therefore no further action taken. |
| Surrey Police, Child Exploitation and Missing Unit (CEMU) | WISE are invaluable to us. They provide a safe space for young people to engage with who aren’t police, who aren’t social services, and 99% of the time the young people engage really well with them. It gives them a chance to talk about their experiences in a way they feel able to, for example by going for a drive or a walk or grabbing a coffee somewhere. It’s this relaxed approach that WISE have that assists with engagement and ultimately this leads to being able to educate the children on a variety of important topics such as being safe online and healthy relationships, making them aware of what exploitation is and the signs of this. They also provide a lot of intelligence to police which assists in investigations. From my experience and I’m sure my whole team would agree, the police have a great relationship with WISE and vice versa. They go above and beyond in their interactions with the young people they work with and take part in all of the multi – agency meetings which again is extremely useful. The fact that it is consent based also means that the young people don’t feel as though they are being forced into engaging with them, which is what they can feel regarding social workers or police. | No further action taken as postive feedback. |
General considerations
Use this section to note any general diversity, equality and inclusion activities or considerations that are relevant to the product. Please only document general considerations here. Protected characteristic analysis can be completed in the section below.
It’s important to consider when completing this EIA that ‘The prevalence of CSE is difficult to determine because it is frequently unreported, with victims often not being aware that they are being exploited. As such, any official figures are likely to under-represent the real scale of the issue, as set out in this infographic from the centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk).
Impact assessment and actions
Apply learning from research, consultation and project knowledge to consider equality considerations relevant to your project. This should include any potential or actual impacts (positive or negative), as well as how the project will uphold the three PSED aims for each of the protected characteristics.
- Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimization.
- Advance equal opportunity.
- Foster good relations between people of different characteristics.
If you have identified a negative impact, note what mitigating action will be taken to reduce or eliminate that impact. If no mitigating action can be taken, please explain why. The issues or impacts identified may change, or new factors may emerge, as your project develops. Use the EIA to document these and how your project has evolved to accommodate equality considerations.
Don’t forget to consider intersectionality. This refers to when characteristics overlap to shape experiences of inequality and discrimination. For further information, please refer to the ‘Addressing Intersectionality within Policing’ report.
Duplicate the boxes below if required. If you need further information about a protected characteristic, open the webpage linked to each subtitle.
All characteristics
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
Age
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| Child sexual exploitation or “CSE” is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (Barnados website). Child sexual exploitation (CSE) can have long-term effects on young people’s wellbeing, impacting on their life into adulthood…Disclosing abuse can take years, particularly for younger victims Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk). Child sexual exploitation… is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse. …age may be the most obvious:(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/CSE_Guidance_Core_Document_13.02.2017.pdf). Children aged 12-15 years of age are most at risk of child sexual exploitation although victims as young as 8 have been identified, particularly in relation to online concerns. Equally, those aged 16 or above can also experience child sexual exploitation, and it is important that such abuse is not overlooked due to assumed capacity to consent. Account should be taken of heightened risks amongst this age group, particularly those without adequate economic or systemic support https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government//CSE_Guidance_Core_Document_13.02.2017.pdf. The YMCA DownsLink WiSE project supports children and young people aged up to 25. This takes into the consideration the long-term effects of CSE and the impact of children’s lives into adulthood. The service can respond to Children and young people aged 11 and under by making adaptations to the work that would be carried out to ensure that this service is able to meet their needs with regards to exploitation. According toSurrey census information 29.2% of the Surrey population are under the age of 25 (Census, 2021). Surrey Police Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) data (2023/2024) shows that 12.9% of CSE victims were aged between 5-7 (both male and female victims), 12.9% were aged 8-10 (females only), 16.12% were aged between 11-13 (both males and females), 19.35% were aged between 14-16 (females only), 3.2% were aged between 17-19 (females only). There were also non recent Surrey Police reports of CSE where the victims are now adults. 29% of the CSE reports did not have a victim recorded. The majority of the CSE victims that YMCA -WiSE supported in the financial year 23/24 were aged between 13-17 years old (83%). Approximately 12.5% of the victims were aged between 18-34 years old and just over 4% were aged under 12 years old (MOJ returns 2024). As part of the Preventing VAWG and Supporting Children (PVSC) Home Office funding this service is supporting Surrey Healthy Schools with PSHE training and has co-produced presentations with them for teachers in both primary and secondary schools. This has and will help to raise awareness of their service and provide advice and guidance to teachers and staff about CSE. They are also able work directly with children identified as being at risk to CSE. Through the PVSC project in 2023/2024 this service supported boys and girl aged between 9-11. This shows the importance of this service engaging with schools and raising the awareness of CSE as the schoolwork through the PVSC project as this project has encouraged reporting of CSE cases to this service and has increased referrals of children aged below 12 years old. The following feedback from a parent who’s child was supported by YMCA WiSE shows the great support this service provided to a young person where no other services could engage; ‘… Having someone who can truly empathise and provide guidance to help in very darkest of situations has been absolutely incredible. Through persistence and perseverance my daughter is now open to a conversation. It’s a long journey ahead – but it’s a ‘win’ in itself. Joining up the conversation between Wise, parents and affected teens, feels absolutely critical to changing lives’. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| The above PVSC project has shown the importance of working closely within schools to increase referrals of young people. The Home Office funding for the PVSC project concludes at the end in March 2025 and therefore it is important that the awareness of CSE and this service is promoted following this timeframe to ensure that we identify children who are victims of or children at risk or CSE as early as possible. |
Disability or neurodiversity
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| According to Tackling CSE Home Office report (March 2015), ‘…Children with learning difficulties will be particularly vulnerable to CSE. Disabled children and young people are known to be overrepresented among abused and exploited populations; however, signs of abuse may be missed… language can also act as a barrier to telling professionals; not having the correct vocabulary or language skills can stand in the way of a child telling a professional and may also impede the ability of professionals to understand a disclosure. Children who have a learning disability where communication skills are impaired may not be able to tell a professional.’ (Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk). ‘CSE is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse…this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including … cognitive ability, physical strength…’(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government//CSE_Guidance_Core_Document_13.02.2017.pdf). According toSurrey census information of all the usual residents, those that are disabled under the equality act equate to 13.8 % of the population and 7.4 % have a long term physical or mental health condition (A usual resident is anyone who on Census Day, 21 March 2021, was in the UK and had stayed or intended to stay in the UK for a period of 12 months or more or had a permanent UK address and was outside the UK and intended to be outside the UK for less than 12 months). WiSE supports young people who may have a physical or learning disability, making required adjustments to the service to meet needs. Evidence of this support can be seen in the Ministry of Justice and Home Office returns sent to the OPCC. In the financial year 23/24 this service supported just over 67.5% of CSE victims who had a disability, just under 18.5% didn’t have a disability and just over 14% didn’t state whether or not they had a disability (MOJ returns 2024). Through the Home Office Preventing VAWG and Supporting Children project in 2023 this service supported young people with mental health impairments and a learning difficulty. Unfortunately, there is no Surrey Police data around this protected characteristic within their CSE reports. WiSE have stated that they will often have more young people with a learning need, on average over 50%, diagnosed or undiagnosed. Common Learning Disabilities include: Autism, ADHD. Additional training has been provided to staff on Autism, ADHD and resources adapted to better meet these needs. This service has provided the OPCC with positive feedback from young people with special educational needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder saying how much these young people enjoyed working with this service and how they felt that the service really understood them. This service considers physical access needs of children and young people (CYP) receiving a service and the flexible, community-based approach allows them to meet CYP in accessible venues. The workers from this service can meet young people in areas that feel safe them. This can include schools, cafes, YMCA spaces, on a walk or remotely by video calls and messaging. They place a large emphasis on making young people feel comfortable and safe. Support is delivered face to face, one to one allowing for breaks and the service would use a quiet environment as CYPs with neurodiverse needs would find the groups and online difficult to engage with and maintain focus. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| From reviewing their EDI policy this service recognises that there are specific SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) schools, and providers in the county, who will be working with CYP vulnerable to exploitation. This service will provide information to these SEND settings about the service offer available from WiSE and how to refer. When required, this service will engage with professionals with experience/knowledge in SEND to support WiSE’s delivery to CYP with disabilities. This is hoped to ensure better knowledge and awareness of WiSE and CSE amongst SEND settings and ensure that sessions and resources are appropriate to a child’s learning needs and understanding. |
Gender reassignment
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| There are some factors affecting LGBTQ+ children and young people that can put them at risk of sexual exploitation. For example, they don’t always receive relevant sex and relationships education and may not be able to find safe spaces where they can meet peers. If the young person feels isolated and unsupported, they may go online and/or build relationships with strangers. This can mean they are more easily influenced by exploitative adults (Barnardo’s, 2016). CSE is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse. Whilst age may be the most obvious, this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including gender, sexual identity…(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government//CSE_Guidance_Core_Document_13.02.2017.pdf). The evidence base demonstrates that some cohorts of children and young people including… Transgender…children, for example – may be less likely to have their abuse identified or responded to. Local areas should ensure responses are accessible, relevant, and sensitive to the needs of all children and young people. Department for Education (publishing.service.gov.uk) Surrey Police Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) data (Jan – Dec 202) shows that a very small percentage of CSE victims are transgender. In the financial year 23/24, 91.5% of the CSE victims that this service supported identified as a woman (including transwomen) and 5.6% identified as a man (including trans men). 0.25 identified as non binary and 0.34% didnt state their gender identity (MOJ returns 2024). According toSurrey census information of all usual residents aged 16 and over, 94.4 % of people identified as having the same gender identity as their sex registered at birth. 0.4% either identified as the different sex that they were registered at birth, as a trans women, trans man, or non-binary. 5.2% didn’t answer this question. WiSE is available to CYP who identify as any gender, or non-binary. WiSE have engaged with specialist services to improve knowledge about supporting this group and know where to signpost to for specific support. In the financial year 23/24 WiSE supported just under 3% of non-binary CSE victims. (MOJ returns). Unfortunately, there is no Surrey Police data around this protected characteristic within their CSE reports. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| As a result of reviewing their EDI policy, this service where appropriate will record and analyse information about the number, and experiences of Transgender or non-binary (TNB) young people to identify potential service improvements – if a CYP feels comfortable to disclose details about their gender identity. This service feels that a better understanding of TNB young people who experience exploitation and appropriate support is required from all agencies. |
Marriage and civil partnership
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| According toSurrey census information of the residents aged 16 and over 50.6 % were married or registered in a civil partnership. WiSE has not worked with anyone who has been married or in a civil partnership, however, if there were concerns around exploitation, this would not be a barrier to accessing services. Unfortunately, there is no Surrey Police data around this protected characteristic within their CSE reports. ‘Religious and cultural factors can impact on children feeling able to disclose abuse. Some practices pay particular focus to virginity (no sex before marriage) or heterosexuality. Children may feel they can’t speak out about their abuse because they or their family will face negative consequences within their community, including shame, judgement or rejection. One child told us she didn’t tell anyone she had been raped because she was worried this would mean a future arranged marriage would not go ahead, and this would impact her family significantly. As a result, she suffered alone for a long period of time and didn’t get the help and support she needed to recover’ (Barnados, A Guide for Parents and Carers Providing Care, Support and Protection to children at risk of or who have been harmed by CSE, pg 28). It’s important to recognise how in some religions or cultures fear of consequences of being a victim of CSE is likely to impact on ability to seek help. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| This service anticipates that exploitation within a married or civil partnership would likely be supported by a domestic abuse service. However, this service would support a CSE victim regardless of marital status. |
Pregnancy and maternity
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| The Casey report of the Inspection of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (2015) stated that the ‘…consequences of CSE are appalling…Many become pregnant. Some have to manage the emotional consequences of miscarriages and abortions while others have children that they are unable to parent appropriately. Repeat sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and terminations can also be a sign of CSE (Coffey and Lloyd, 2014). The office for national statistics shows that in Surrey between 2013 to 2020 there were 146 live births where the mothers were under the age of 20. There were 852 live births where the mothers were aged between 20-25. Between 2017-2019 there were 88 conceptions of those aged under 16. The percentage of conceptions leading to abortion in under-16s in 2017-2019 was 78.4%. Statistics about births and conceptions: parental characteristics, home births and birthweight | Surrey-i (surreyi.gov.uk) WiSE have supported CYP who are or have been pregnant and this would not be a barrier to accessing services. This service can support young people who would benefit from or need advice from Sexual Health clinics. Unfortunately, there is no Surrey Police data around this protected characteristic within their CSE reports. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| As a result of completing this EDI this service plans to liaise with maternity services and Family Planning services to raise awareness of their service to increase accessibility and awareness of the service for this characteristic. They are arranging training for health visitors, midwifery for young mothers and mums with mental health conditions. They are also actively arranging training and inputs to NHS nurses who come into contact with children and young people. |
Ethnicity
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| According to the Tackling CSE Home Office report (March 2015) ‘Child sexual exploitation is not exclusive to any single community, race or religion. Language can also act as a barrier to telling professionals; not having the correct vocabulary or language skills can stand in the way of a child telling a professional and may also impede the ability of professionals to understand a disclosure. In relation to ethnic minorities, refugees and asylum-seeking children, they may not know the precise terminology used to describe sexual abuse and/or to seek help’ (Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk). According to Surrey 2021 census ethnicity data 85.5% of people identified as white, 7.7% as Asian, 1.7 % as black, 3.4% as mixed or multiple ethnic groups and 1.7% as other ethnic group. 91.2 % of all the adults in household have English or Welsh as a main language. 4.2 % had at least one but not all adults in household who have English or Welsh as a main language. 1.1% had no adults in household, but at least one person aged 3 to 15 years who had English or Welsh as a main language. 3.5% had no people in their household that had English or Welsh as a main language. Surrey Police CSE Victim data shows that 51.61% of victims identified as White British, 45% either didn’t state their ethnicity or their ethnicity wasn’t recorded. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) CSE victims totalled less than 4%. Through the Home Office Preventing VAWG and Supporting Children project in 2023 this service supported young people who identified as being White English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British. In the financial year 23/24 this service supported just over 71% of CSE victims who were white, just under 17% of mixed/multiple ethnic groups, just over 4% were Asian and just over 4% were Black / African / Caribbean / Black British. WiSE is open to CYP from all races/ethnicity. There is recognition within this service that cultural attitudes can be a barrier for young people accessing services. This service looks to work in partnership with other providers to support under-served groups and build effective relationships within wider marginalised and minoritised communities. They undertake regular Resident and Client Voice surveys to collect information on service user satisfaction, safety, and comfort within settings. Such data helps them to ensure all service users feel able to participate fully in the service’s pathways to independence, and progress towards their goals. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| As a result of completing this EDI this service will review ethnicity data of referrals and raise awareness with local groups to increase accessibility. It is hoped that this will increase accessibility and awareness of the service for this characteristic. |
Religion or belief
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| According to Tackling CSE Home Office report (March 2015), Child sexual exploitation is not exclusive to any single community, race or religion. Religious and cultural factors can impact on children feeling able to disclose abuse. Some practices pay particular focus to virginity (no sex before marriage) or heterosexuality (Banardos). According to Surrey census data 50.1% identified as being Christian, 36.6% had no religion, 3.2% identified as Muslim, 2% as Hindu, 0.6% as Buddist, 0.6% as Sikh, 0.3% as Jewish and 0.5% as other religion. Through the Home Office Preventing VAWG and Supporting Children project in 2023 this service supported young people who identified as having no religion. Religion or belief is not measured within the MOJ returns. Unfortunately, there is no Surrey Police data around this protected characteristic within their CSE reports. As an organisation with a Christian ethos, YMCA DLG has some designated paid/unpaid posts for which there is an Occupational Requirement for the post-holder to demonstrate a clear commitment to the Christian faith. This would be for reasons of providing spiritual leadership and/or maintaining the Christian ethos of the organisation and would include the Lead Chaplain, and their trustees. For all other post holders, there is an expectation to respect their Christian ethos and uphold its values. They recognise that many of the Christian values they uphold are also represented in other faiths and held by those without faith. To these other posts, they welcome those of other faiths and those of none. This ethos and policy does not exclude those of other faiths or non-faith from accessing services. This service does recognise that beliefs and attitudes within communities can at times be a barrier to accessing services. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| In 24/25, YMCA DLG will be doing a piece of work around spirituality, belief and religion with children and young people to ascertain the impact of it for the CYP they support. This is hoped to increase accessibility and awareness of the service for this characteristic. Although this service’s ethos and policy does not exclude those of other faiths or non-faith from accessing services, there is a need to ensure that this service is seen as being a provider for all and that Christianity isn’t a barrier in seeking support. This service has not previously recorded religion or belief from those they support but as a result of this EIA they will be including this within the questions they ask of the young people they support. |
Sex
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| While the majority of CSE experienced by children are female and the majority of perpetrators are male, boys can and are sexually exploited and perpetrators can be female (Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk). WiSE supports both male and female young people and is available to CYP, regardless of their assigned gender at birth. In the financial year 23/24, 91.5% of the CSE victims that this service supported identified as a woman (including transwomen) and 5.6% identified as a man (including trans men). (MOJ returns 2024). Of the five young people supported through the Home Office Preventing VAWG and Supporting Children project in 2023, four of the young people’s sex was male and one was female. There are currently no male workers within this service in Surrey. Surrey Police Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) data (2023/2024) shows that 58% of CSE victims who reported to Police were female, 12.9% were male and 29% of victim’s gender wasn’t recorded. According toSurrey census information 51.2% of all usual residents were female and 48.8% were male. YMCA – WiSE do acknowledge that there can be a difference in the risk and vulnerability of becoming victims of CSE between boys and girls. A risk factor that they have seen for boys within their service is through gaming. They believe that there is a large gap around awareness and reports of CSE of boys. Barnados have found that ‘Boys who are sexually exploited may find it particularly difficult to tell someone it is happening. Those we have supported told them that that they tried to signal something was wrong through their behaviour but felt this led to them being sanctioned or getting into trouble, either at school, at home or with police. Boys told them that they feel their gender was a barrier to being asked what was wrong or what was happening to them, with many feeling they were only being seen as trouble. This response tended to push them further towards those who were abusing them, and for many this led to other types of harm occurring. Boys also told them that there is a sense that boys should be able to look after themselves and are less vulnerable in society generally as well as within relationships. They told them that even when they recognised and understood they were being abused they were not likely to tell as they felt embarrassed to admit they have been the victim of exploitation and the consequences of what this may mean in relation to their male identity (Barnados, Child Sexual Exploitation A Guide for Parents and Carers Providing Care, Support and Protection to children at risk of or who have been harmed by CSE). |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| YMCA WiSE feels that a risk and vulnerability factor of boys experiencing CSE is through gaming and that this is different to girls. It has not experienced boys refusing support due to there not being male workers, but their service recognises that by not having male workers within Surrey that this could potentially be a barrier to boys accessing support and could also impact the effectiveness of the work they do. The Sussex YMCA WiSE service have two male workers and Surrey utilise their resources and try to mirror the approaches of these male workers wherever possible to try and mitigate this gap. The male Sussex workers are not able to directly support the CYP in Surrey. |
Sexual orientation
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| There are some factors affecting LGBTQ+ children and young people that can put them at risk of sexual exploitation. For example, they don’t always receive relevant sex and relationships education and may not be able to find safe spaces where they can meet peers. If the young person feels isolated and unsupported, they may go online and/or build relationships with strangers. This can mean they are more easily influenced by exploitative adults (Barnardo’s, 2016). Children who are gay or bisexual and who lack supportive family or communities where they feel their sexual identity can be accepted can be especially vulnerable to CSE (Safeguarding – child sexual exploitation (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk). According toSurrey census information of all usual residents aged 16 or over 90.7% residents stated that they were straight or heterosexual, 1.2% identified as gay or lesbian, 1.1% as bisexual, 0.1% as pansexual, 0.1% as asexual and 0.1% as all other sexual orientations. 6.9% didn’t answer this question. The census data only records the sexual orientation of those aged 16 and over. WiSE supports CYP of any sexual orientation. In the financial year 23/24 this service supported just over 87% of heterosexual/straight CSE victims, just over 7% of victims who were gay/lesbian and just over 5.5% who identified as bisexual (MOJ 23/24). Through the Home Office Preventing VAWG and Supporting Children project in 2023 this service supported young people who identified as being heterosexual or straight. Unfortunately, there is no Surrey Police data around this protected characteristic within their CSE reports. This service would always offer tailored support and signpost to the appropriate services. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| As a result of completing this EIA this service is keen to link in with local LGBTQ+ services and to also learn from their colleagues within the Brighton and Hove service in order to continue to learn and adapt where needed. |
Socio-economic background
Our socio-economic background is a combination of different factors, such as our income, occupation and social background. A person’s socio-economic background can expose them to inequalities, so it’s important to understand how your project could affect different socio-economic groups. Further information about socio-economic status can be found in the Cabinet Office Measuring socio-economic background in your workforce guidance.
| Details of positive and/or adverse impact or other issue |
| According to Tackling CSE Home Officer report (March 2015) the risk of exploitation is much higher when children go missing or are placed in care outside the local authority that has responsibility for them. CSE is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse. Whilst age may be the most obvious, this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including …status, and access to economic or other resources. (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government//CSE_Guidance_Core_Document_13.02.2017.pdf). According toSurrey census information 30.8% of households are deprived in one dimension, 9.9% of households are deprived in two dimensions, 2% are deprived in three dimensions and 0.2% in four dimensions. The dimensions of the deprivation are based on four household characteristics including education, employment, health and housing. 2.6% of all the population have bad health and 0.7% very bad health. 1% of the population does not have central heating. 3.2% of households have fewer bedrooms than required.11.4% of all households live in social rented housing through a local council or housing association. 0.8% of all households live in a caravan or other mobile or temporary structure compared with 76.6% who live in a whole house or bungalow. 5.5% of the population aged 16 and over have never worked and are long term unemployed. 12.9% of the population aged 16 and over have no qualifications. ‘Sexual exploitation is often linked to other issues in the life of a child or young person, or in the wider community context. Practitioners should be alert to the fact that child sexual exploitation is complex and rarely presents in isolation of other needs and risks of harm (although this may not always be the case, particularly in relation to online abuse). Child sexual exploitation may be linked to other crimes and practitioners should be mindful that a child who may present as being involved in criminal activity is actually being exploited’ Department for Education (publishing.service.gov.uk). With the above in mind, it’s important to look at socio economic factors within this EIA. The above research shows the link between victims of CSE and young people who are in care or are care leavers. That those who have been reported as missing by the Police are at risk. It’s also important to consider that victims of CSE are often linked to other crimes. Access to economic or other resources also needs to be considered. Within YMCA Downslink groups’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy it states that this service will treat individuals with protected characteristics and characteristics not protected by law fairly regardless of, but not limited to, age, disability and neurodiversity, religion and belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, sex, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, appearance, mental or physical health issues not covered by law, ethnicity, geographical location, care leavers or those with care experience, housing, language and communication barriers, caring/dependents status, socio-economic status, immigration status, offending background, spirituality, and gender identity (as defined by the individual, not law), or any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice. Within the Surrey Police CSE reports (23/24) linked flags included drugs (16.12%), alcohol (6.5%), mental health (19.35%) and online enabled (16.12%). These flags were included within 58% of the total cases. This service will always travel to where their victims reside and meet them in local venues. They do not provide financial support but will offer refreshments when they meet. They will also signpost their victims to other services for support including contacts for foodbanks etc. This service supports young offenders and will either directly work with them or support their targeted youth support if more appropriate. They have good links with Youth workers, but they rely on these services having good knowledge of CSE and for services to ask young people the right questions and to refer onto them. This service has not supported people in prison or ex-prisoners, but this would not be a barrier for their support. |
| Mitigating action for any adverse impact or rationale for no further action |
| This service considers access needs of children and young people (CYP) receiving a service and the flexible, community-based approach allows them to meet CYP in accessible venues. The workers from this service can meet young people in areas that feel safe them. This can include schools, cafes, YMCA spaces, on a walk or remotely by video calls and messaging. They place a large emphasis on making young people feel comfortable and safe. Due to this flexibility a young person’s socio-economic background should not be a barrier to gaining this services support. This service is keen to help promote their service to victims within prison or ex-prisoners. |
Other characteristics
Use this section to consider the PSED aims and any impacts your product may have on characteristics that are not protected under the Equality Act 2010 but are still significant to equality and inclusion. For example, your product may have a particular effect on people with caring responsibilities or on people with English as an added language, or you may need to consider the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 in delivery. Think creatively and invite input from stakeholders.
| Details of impact or other issue |
| Mitigating action or rationale for no further action |
Action log
Record EIA actions and monitor action progress in the optional action log.
Socio-economic background – To monitor this services work in promoting their service to victims within prison or ex-prisoners.
Sexual Orientation – To monitor this services work in linking in with local LGBTQ+ services and to also learn from their colleagues within the Brighton and Hove service to continue to learn and adapt where needed.
Sex – To confirm whether the mitigation of this service utilising the expertise of the two male workers from Sussex YMCA WiSE is successful in ensuring that being a male victim of CSE is not a barrier to accessing this services support.
Religion or Belief – For this service to record religion and belief data from the young people this service supports. Review this data and ensure that the service is seen as being a provider for all and that Christianity isn’t a barrier in seeking support.
Ethnicity – For this service to review ethnicity data of referrals and raise awareness with local groups to increase accessibility.
Pregnancy and Maternity – To monitor the progress of this services workwith maternity services and Family Planning services and the NHS to raise awareness of their service.
Gender Reassignment – For this service to record and analysegender identity details and experiences where appropriate and identity potential service improvements.
Disability and Neurodiversity – To monitor the progress of this services work with specific SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) schools, and providers in the county, who will be working with CYP vulnerable to exploitation.
Age – To continue promoting this service within schools and to teachers to ensure that we identify children who are victims of or children at risk of CSE as early as possible.