Management Information Sheet
Reflective Tools to Help Us Talk about Exploitation
We know from multi-agency audit activity that there is evidence of good practice across the partnership in Norfolk to tackle exploitation but there is also the need to ensure that our use of language in this area of work evolves alongside our understanding.
The Children's Society has updated their Appropriate Language: Child Exploitation guide which was first created in 2017. There are significant updates to the guidance including spotlight sections on child financial exploitation and children forced or coerced to carry drugs internally.
Both this document and the NWG briefing Making Words Matter highlight the importance of language we use when safeguarding and responding to children, young people and families dealing with the complex issues of exploitation. The advice contained within these documents can be used by practitioners as a reflective tool to inform and help frame discussions during child protection and multi-agency meetings, or other situations where professionals are discussing children and young people who are at risk of or subjected to exploitation or any activity an agency undertakes to disrupt and tackle child exploitation.
In summary
- Language implying that the child or young person is complicit in any way, or responsible for the crimes that have happened or may happen to them, should be avoided.
- Language should reflect the presence of coercion and the lack of control young people have in abusive or exploitative situations, and should recognise the severity of the impact exploitation has on the child or young person.
- Victim-blaming language may reinforce messages from perpetrators around shame and guilt. This in turn may prevent the child or young person from disclosing their abuse, through fear of being blamed by professionals.
What helps?
- Take a collaborative and supportive approach listening to the wishes and feelings of the child and their family.
- Remember that the victim is not to blame, considering language carefully.
- Consider all potential indicators of risk using a contextual safeguarding approach.
- Focus on factors that may put a child at risk of harm, rather than assessing incidents that have already taken place.
- Look at protective factors or strengths of young people, their families and their immediate environment.
- Seek advice and support when you are unsure.