Abstract

This chapter examines the abuse and exploitation of children and vulnerable persons. Exploitation usually occurs when a person provides something to the greater benefit and advantage of another. Fraud, coercion, and undue control or threats or acts of violence can be used as means of gaining compliance. One example is where a criminal gang coerces a child into joining their group to sexually abuse them or for others to do so; or to use them to distribute illegal substances or weapons such as drugs, knives, and firearms. Parents can also exploit their own children by trafficking them or advertising them on ‘Adult Services Websites’ (ASWs) or dating websites. Some victims (including vulnerable adults) are also trafficked into or within countries for the purpose of sexual exploitation, servitude, or modern slavery and become involuntarily linked to criminality and criminal gang networks. The chapter then looks at Operation Hydrant, as well as the emergence of online child sexual abuse.