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Concern is growing over the way older men prey on young people. Angie Heal looks at research into how drugs are used to groom young women for sexual exploitation and prostitution

Abstract:

This article details the links between sexual exploitation, drug use and drug dealing. Based on research carried out in South Yorkshire, it examines the use of drugs in the sexual exploitation of young people, sometimes for the purposes of prostitution, and the role of some drug dealers. It details the grooming process, a profile of such perpetrators and highlights some of the issues for agencies supporting young people.

The issue of older men having sex with younger girls has been highlighted by the revelations of Ian Huntley’s predilection for under-age schoolgirls before his conviction for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. There have also been other recent high-profile cases of older men being charged with child abduction following their disappearances with girls under 16.

However, despite the public nature of these incidents, there are numerous cases of older men being sexually involved with under-age young people. Most cases do not come into the public arena, and rightly so. But the scale of the problem and the damage done to young people exploited by older men need to be highlighted, as do the links with drug use and drug dealing.

There are several national approaches to combating sexual exploitation of young people, including action plans, legislation and inquiries (see panel, page 34). In South Yorkshire, research has been carried out into the links between sexual exploitation, drug use and drug dealing. The problems highlighted have been well documented in other areas and are not particular to South Yorkshire. Although established red light areas exist in two areas of  South Yorkshire, it is relatively rare for girls under 16 to be found working on the streets.

However, in two areas, one of which does not have a street sex work scene, there are significant concerns about some men sexually exploiting young women, some for the purposes of prostitution. Specialist agencies have gathered only anecdotal and sketchy reports about the exploitation of boys and young men. Further research needs to be done regarding boys and young men who are at risk or who are being exploited.

Grooming for abuse

Drugs play a significant role in sexual exploitation. Class B drugs and alcohol are often used as part of the “grooming process”. Older men who have “befriended” young women often give them amphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis or alcohol. The effects of these substances on teenagers with little or no tolerance renders them vulnerable to sexual abuse.

The young women may be flattered by the attention of older men and, although they may be frightened by what is happening, they hide their fear in an effort to appear more grown-up and attractive to the man. The man makes them believe he is their boyfriend and that he loves them, and may give them presents such as clothes and particularly mobile phones so that he can contact them easily.

The grooming continues in this way for a while, until the girl is quite besotted by the man and is easily manipulated. Once he has established a sexual relationship with her, he may then introduce her to his friends and tell her she has to sleep with them and that she would do it if she loved him. Another ploy may be that he owes money, and that he knows someone who would pay to have sex with her… that she would do it if she loved him. The abuse begins once the “courtship” phase of the grooming is over. Some young women have reported significant levels of harm being inflicted on them, including rape, physical assaults and emotional abuse. Once they have started having sex or have been taking drugs, they are vulnerable to the man blackmailing them by threatening to tell their parents or carers.

The perpetrators are often criminals involved in several types of offending. Although the numbers within South Yorkshire are relatively few, the damage they can inflict is enormous. The research highlighted that nine of the main perpetrators in the county are believed to have been involved in property and car crime, gun crime, violence, witness intimidation and some immigration offences as well as sexual and violent offences against young women. All were reported to be heavily involved in dealing Class A drugs, although they did not all have convictions.

These men are the new breed of pimps and dealers.1 Those who operate in red light districts inflict significant trauma on women who are involved in prostitution. Ten young women, referred to a specialist agency in one area of the county, reported a number of different offences including being kidnapped, driven around to have sex with different men, being raped, gang raped, and being in situations that involved Class A drugs, money and firearms. Some were also used to carry Class A drugs.

Support for young people

There are several problems associated with supporting young people who are being sexually exploited and achieving successful prosecutions against the men involved. The women are often seen as willing victims who go back to abusive situations however many times they are taken home. They are also often unwilling to make statements against the perpetrators. Sometimes this is because they do not want to inform on the man they believe is their boyfriend. But it is often because of threats, intimidation and violence against them, their family or friends.

Parents often feel helpless in such situations, and may not feel that they receive enough help from statutory services.2 Successful prosecutions for many types of sexual offences are notoriously difficult, especially if the young person does not wish to make a statement.

This may change under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, with the introduction of hearsay evidence. Targeting offenders for other offences they are involved in, such as supplying drugs, is an option. If they are convicted and receive a substantial custodial sentence, young people may feel safer in giving evidence against them for sexual offences.

Young people need substantial support to limit the damage that trauma can have on their lives. Specialist agencies that work with them to offer social services and child protection support, individual counselling, drug treatment interventions, and diversionary and educational support should be available. Many, but not all, of the young people already have complex needs and have experienced considerable difficulties in their young lives which in turn makes them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Improved information sharing between agencies, recognising the vulnerability of young people who are repeatedly missing from home, improved targeting of suspects and adequate long-term funding of services are some of the recommendations from the research conducted in South Yorkshire. Education and awareness training for those working with young people is equally essential in order to prevent or make early interventions for those who are at risk of becoming victims of sexual abuse or perpetrators.

The issue of sexual exploitation and drugs is an area fraught with difficulties, but improved multi-agency working as well as an increasing public awareness of the issues for young people must be the way forward. CC

Angie Heal (RGN, RMN, BA (Hons), MA) is a strategic drugs analyst. Having worked with drug users for a number of years, Angie Heal became a consultant and researcher in crime and drugs after gaining her masters degree in research methods. Although currently employed by South Yorkshire Police, she is funded by South Yorkshire partnerships to collate and disseminate information regarding drugs issues.

1 T May, A Harocops, M Hough, For Love or Money: Pimps and the Management of Sex Work,
Police Research Series 134, 2000
2 Iveson I, Fiona’s Story, Virago Press, 1997

Further information

T May, A Harocops, M Hough,  Street Business: The Links Between Sex and Drug Markets, Police Research Series Paper 118, 1999.

Also www.homeoffice.gov.uk and www.barnardos.org.uk for more on legislation and initiatives to combat the exploitation of young people.