Child Sexual Exploitation
Children and young people are some of the most vulnerable members of society and we all have a duty to safeguard and protect them from harm. People who rape and abuse children and young people often use hotel rooms and serviced apartments.
Child sexual exploitation is where abusers give something such as food, money, accommodation, drugs, alcohol or gifts to make the child or young person feel they should engage in sexual activity with the abuser or abusers.
People who rape or abuse children and young people will purposely target them because they are vulnerable.
They use their power, whether physical strength, financial coercion or psychological manipulation. This is often done in a way that can make a child or young person not understand that what is being done to them is wrong.
Identifying potential situations involving child sexual exploitation
Does the child appear confused, fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid? Do they avoid eye contact?
Does the child seem withdrawn?
Is the child made to sit away from reception when checking in?
Has the guest requested a room that is isolated and private?
Are there numerous visitors to the room during the stay that only visit for relatively short periods of time?
Does the adult guest appear to be lavishing attention of an inappropriate or intimate nature and purchasing gifts for the child?
In the case of service apartments, is someone hiring the room for a day or part of the day?
Is there a child under the age of 18 years with an unrelated older man/group of men?
Room Service – Are there alcohol orders for guests who appear to be underage?
Does the adult guest not want their rooms to be cleaned?
Remember to check the nature of relationships between those checking in, request ID for any young person under the age of 18 who does not appear to be with a legal guardian
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Bookings made in different names to those who check in.
A guest who may not speak the same language as the person checking in.
A guest who requests a room that is isolated and private.
Multiple visitors to a room and/or signs of sexual activity (lots of condoms or their wrappers).
Room Service – alcohol orders for guests who appear to be underage.
Guests who do not want their rooms to be cleaned.
A young girl/boy with an unrelated older man/group of men.
A guest who is under someone else’s control or physically and / or emotionally distressed (including being overly submissive / bruises / cigarette burns).
A guest whose passport is in somebody else’s control and inaccessible to themselves.
Signs of alcohol, drug or substance misuse.
A guest who appears incoherent or uncomfortable and who may act under instruction.
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Record and keep notes with more details of all suspicious activity.
What, when, where, who, why is it suspicious?
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City of London Police 101, quoting Operation Make Safe
To give anonymous information call: Crime stoppers 0800 555 111
Operation Make Safe
Operation Make Safe works across London. It enables businesses such as taxi firms, hotels, serviced apartments and licensed premises to inform the police about child sexual exploitation and what to do if you suspect that it’s happening.
Hotels and serviced apartments are in a unique position to see if child sexual exploitation is taking place within their premises. There is therefore an opportunity to use their awareness to possibly prevent children and young people experiencing sexual harm.
Use this toolkit to be clear.
If you suspect that a child or young person is going to experience sexual harm contact the Police on 999 or 101, quoting ‘Operation Make Safe’ to the call handler. They will understand what is taking place, ask you some questions and advise you on what to do next.
What to do if you suspect your hotel is being used for Child Sexual Exploitation
Call the Police in every instance, quoting Operation Make Safe. Advice and guidance will be given for you to follow. The police will then make discreet enquiries.
If you feel unable to do this, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They can contact the police and help. You do not have to give your name or tell them where you work.
If you suspect a child may have been abused in a room. Seal the room once empty and make sure a member of security remains outside the room until police arrive.
Keep bedding, towels and sanitary wear as it may contain evidence of abuse.
Touch nothing, move nothing, keep everything.
Contact the Police
999 in an emergency
101 to give information about concerns
Quote Operation Make Safe with every call