This practice resource guide assists the crucial work of the Victorian Child Protection program, Community Service Organisations (CSOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in understanding and responding to child sexual and criminal exploitation.
Child sexual (CSE) and criminal exploitation (CCE) are among the most complex and harmful forms of abuse we encounter. They are often hidden, misunderstood, and enabled by power imbalances that silence children and young people and obscure accountability. We must challenge persistent myths that children and young people choose exploitation, that compliance equals consent, or that harm is always visible. Exploitation is abuse. It is never the child or young person’s fault.
This practice guide aims to equip practitioners with a shared understanding of indicators of risk, strengthen professional judgement, and support consistent, and effective responses. It is built on evidence, practice wisdom and the understanding that a coordinated approach that places the child or young person at the centre is the most effective.
3144.1 Practice Guide: Understanding and responding to child sexual and criminal exploitation