News

Fifth of UK victims of criminal exploitation are children, research reveals

2 mins read Youth Justice Coronavirus
At least one in five victims of criminal exploitation by drugs gangs in the UK are children, analysis of calls to a modern slavery and exploitation helpline shows.
Criminal and sexual exploitation increased in lockdown, charity research shows. Picture: Adobe Stock
Criminal and sexual exploitation increased in lockdown, charity research shows. Picture: Adobe Stock

Research into calls to the charity Unseen’s modern slavery and exploitation helpline has shown that more than a fifth (22 per cent) of calls from potential victims of drugs gangs are minors.

The proportion could be higher, the analysis into calls to the helpline in 2020 indicates, as 59 per cent are adult but 19 per cent did not specify their age.

Almost (85 per cent) all of calls related to drugs exploitation came from boys, with five children not specifying their gender and just one of the calls being made by a girl, research shows.

The number of those calling relating to criminal exploitation involving drugs has almost doubled across all ages over the last year during the Covid-19 pandemic, the analysis shows. However, the proportion involving minors has dropped, from 30 per cent in 2019.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this