Educating Young People about Vulnerability to Sexual Exploitation: Safeguarding Practitioners' Standpoints at the Intersections of Gender, Sexuality and Risk

Mythen, Gabe ORCID: 0000-0002-6528-9031 and Weston, Samantha (2023) Educating Young People about Vulnerability to Sexual Exploitation: Safeguarding Practitioners' Standpoints at the Intersections of Gender, Sexuality and Risk. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK, 54 (1). pp. 363-380.

PDF
Mythen and Weston 2023 Pre-Publication Version.pdf - Author Accepted Manuscript
Download (391kB) | Preview

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcad201

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This article discusses findings from a qualitative study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) awareness-raising programme targeted at young people. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with practitioners involved in a multi-agency team established to reduce vulnerability to CSE, we elucidate that, in addition to being directed by professional codes, practitioners’ perceptions and judgements were also influenced by gendered assumptions and underlying anxieties about childhood sexuality. The empirical data presented suggest that attitudes towards young people and intervention decisions are partially steered by cultural values that connect not only to personal morals but also influence decisions made in conjunction with professional risk analytic frameworks. Our analysis indicates that broader investigation of the commingling of personal and professional values in safeguarding contexts is required, alongside the creation of protected spaces for professional reflection and dialogue amongst practitioners to support decision-making.</jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Child Sexual Exploitation, practitioner perceptions, risk, safeguarding, young people
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Law and Social Justice
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2023 07:22
Last Modified:	05 Feb 2024 03:04
DOI:	10.1093/bjsw/bcad201
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3175002