Changing the Narrative

"The ASE Partnership has long called for the introduction of a statutory definition of adult sexual exploitation! As outlined in our report Changing the Narrative, adult sexual exploitation, and the survivors of ASE are widely misunderstood.

From the misconceptions and false narratives placed onto people experiencing adult sexual exploitation, comes structural failings to support those who experience multiple disadvantages.

Once we understand the true reality of these people’s lives, we can see the foundations that need to be put in place to adequately support survivors. Our proposed statutory definition would not create a new offence or redefine consensual sex work as sexual exploitation.

It would create a consistent understanding of ASE, allowing for exploitation to be recognised and acted upon at an early stage.

A standardised definition will also help to ease the transition between child and adult services and prevent young people in the age of transition from experiencing victim blaming as soon as they reach legal adulthood.”

ASE definition and guidance.pdf

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