Child sexual exploitation: a guide for obstetricians and gynaecologists

Abstract

Key content Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a child protection issue and can affect any young person. Healthcare professionals play a key role in identifying both those who are victims of exploitation, and also those at risk. The General Medical Council considers that all doctors have a responsibility for child protection., Obstetricians and gynaecologists may come across victims of CSE in a range of clinical settings, but practitioners may not feel confident that they have sufficient training to recognise victims or potential victims or indeed what course of action to take if they do., This article provides training in both of these aspects by introducing Spotting the Signs (a questionnaire-based tool to help detect CSE) and by highlighting appropriate referral pathways, including the vital role of joint working and information sharing., Learning objectives Understand what is meant by CSE., Understand the risk factors for victims of CSE., Develop a working knowledge of a validated tool to enable healthcare workers to recognise potential cases of CSE., Understand what to do if you suspect CSE.