EXPLOITATION & COUNTY LINES

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 999

Exploitation is a type of abuse. It is when a person or group takes advantage of someone by lying, tricking, or manipulating them to make them do things they don’t want to do.

At first they make you feel like you’re part of a group, friendship or relationship.

You'll feel special and included, rewarded with gifts, money, or attention. But over time, things change. You might be told that you owe someone, that you have no choice, or that you must do things to show loyalty. That’s how control starts.

Even if you think you are to blame because you were going along with things or getting something in return - you are still a victim, because you’re being exploited and your choices aren’t truly your own.

There are trained professionals who understand and are there to help you.

UNDERSTANDING EXPLOITATION

Criminal exploitation can involve:

Being made to move or sell drugs, sometimes across towns or cities. This is referred to as County Lines
Being pressured to carry weapons or hide illegal items.
Being forced to commit crimes, such as theft, assault, or robbery.

People who exploit others often try to make you feel trapped, scared,

or responsible. This is how they keep you doing what they want.

There is help and support available, you deserve to be safe!

#TALKTOSOMEONE

COUNTY LINES

CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION

County Lines is when gangs use young people to move or sell drugs from one

area to another, often across towns or cities.

You might be asked to carry drugs, money, or weapons, or even commit crimes to help them. Gangs can try to trick, scare, or pressure you into doing it.

The Police, teachers, youth workers and other professionals will help you!

Getting involved in County Lines can feel exciting at first, but the reality is dangerous and damaging. Some of the harsh truths include:

Violence and threats: You might be forced to carry weapons, fight, or intimidate others. Gangs use fear to control you.
Criminal record: Even if you were pressured or tricked, committing crimes can lead to arrest, court, or jail, affecting your future.
Exploitation and control: Gangs use loyalty, fear, or debt to trap young people. You may feel like you have no way out.
Isolation from support: You could be cut off from friends, family, or school, making it harder to get help.
Mental health impact: Stress, fear, guilt, or trauma can cause anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
Risk of sexual exploitation: Sometimes, gangs may use sexual abuse or threats as part of control.
Drug risks: Carrying or using drugs can harm your health and increase legal problems.

Once involved getting out isn't easy and young people often feel scared and stuck. Help is available, and it’s never too late to get out safely.

design an image of a teenage girl on a train with her head leaning on the window looking w

www.crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless

CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

Child sexual exploitation is a type of abuse. It often happens when an older person, usually a man, targets a younger person - often a girl, and makes her feel special or cared for.

At first, it can look like a relationship or friendship. He might give her gifts, money, alcohol, or drugs, and show her lots of attention and affection. But over time, he starts to control and isolate her, stopping her from seeing her friends or family and making her feel like she owes him something so has to do what he says.

He may then pressure or force her into doing sexual things with him and even with other people. It could start by asking for nude photos or videos which she sends because he threatens to leave her or find someone else. Those pictures or videos are then used as a weapon to threaten or blackmail her into do other more serious things. He might share them with others who then also bribe (exploit) her in the same way.

Many young people in this situation feel ashamed, scared, and trapped. They are worried that they will be judged or get into trouble if they tell someone and ask for help.

But you are not the only person this has happened to and you are not alone! If this is happening to you, it is not your fault!
You are not to blame, and there are people who can help you!

Read how Lisa got help here:

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/real-life-stories/support-after-sexual-exploitation-how-barnardos-helped-lisa

Read Savannah's story here:

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/real-life-stories/how-barnardos-supported-savannah-after-being-sexually-exploited

IF YOU ARE AT IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM RING 999

If you or someone you know is being exploited, or you think it might be happening then there are lots of places you can get help & support.

TRUSTED ADULTS

The adults around you that take care of you will want you to tell then what is happening so they can protect you. If you don't feel safe or comfortable to speak to adults at home there are other adults who are trained to help when bad things happen, this is referred to as safeguarding.

Teachers

Even if you don't have a great relationship with your teachers, they want what is best for you and have to help safeguard you - by law! Ask to speak to your Wellbeing or Pastoral staff or just go to 'your favourite teacher and ask for a private conversation. They have been professionally trained to help with this type of thing.

Youth Workers

If you attend the local youth club, youth workers will also be able to help & support you.

Other Professional Adults

Whether it's your sports coach, singing teacher, or maths tutor they will be able to help - it starts with talking.

WORRIED THAT YOUR FRIENDS WILL FIND OUT?

Professional adults are legally not allowed to talk about private things that have happened to you unless it is an essential part of the procedure to keep you safe. Teachers or Youth Workers are not going to tell your friends or other students about what has happened.

Other organisations that can help: