Providing support and therapy for victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation

摘要

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to analyse the public mental health challenges arising in the field of child sexual exploitation (CSE) from the perspective of frontline professionals. Design/methodology/approach-The methods included semi-structured face-to-face individual interviews (n?6) and focus groups (two groups with a total of eight participants ? 8), all participants work with CSE-experienced young people. Findings-Professionals report how they offer support and therapy to CSE-experienced young people. Findings are outlined in relation to support, therapeutic interventions, multi-agency working, what works and the challenges and issues faced in their professional roles. Research limitations/implications-The paper reports briefly on a substantial amount of data.A further limitation is that there is a need to gather data directly from the perspective of young people. Practical implications-The high quality of work undertaken and the need to further develop therapeutic work with the CSE-experienced young people emerges from the findings. Social implications-CSE is a high-profile public health issue which attracts considerable public and political attention. Originality/value-The data gathered reflect the contemporary views of frontline professionals in a challenging and complex field of practice.