Exploitation (Including sexual exploitation, home invasion, hate and mate crime, modern slavery)

Exploitation of vulnerable adults is a form of abuse and should be reported in the same way as any other form of abuse or neglect.

Exploitation is complex and often a hidden issue, with people being subject to grooming, abuse, violence in order to force or coerce them into activities they don't not want to do for someone else's gain, this can include taking part in criminal activities.

There are different forms of exploitation which can affect children and adults of any gender and any ethnicity.  

Home invasion (also known as Cuckooing)

Cuckooing is a form of exploitation, where criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person to carry out illegal activities. It is commonly associated with county lines (drug trafficking/dealing) but can also involve other crimes and forms of abuse.

For further information on the sign of cuckooing, who may be targeted and how to respond please see the GSAB Bitesize Briefing Cuckooing (PDF, 1 MB)

Sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation occurs when someone is deceived, coerced or forced to take part in sexual activity. Ways in which someone could be sexually exploited include but aren't limited to: prostitution, brothels, escort agencies, pole/lap dancing, forced marriage, webcamming, phone sex lines, internet chat rooms, mail order brides, pornography and sex tourism.

More information on sexual exploitation can be found on our procedures and practice resources website (opens new window).

Hate and mate crime 

Hate crimes pose a serious threat to personal safety, wellbeing, and fundamental human rights. They are driven by prejudice against protected characteristics such as race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. Individuals from these communities often face social exclusion or discrimination—and hate crimes can deepen their vulnerability and marginalisation.

For further information on hate crime, the types, the Prevent duty and responding to hate crime please see the Bitesize Briefing: Hate Crime (PDF, 1005 KB)

Mate crime happens when someone 'makes friends' with a person and goes on to abuse or exploit that relationship. The founding intention of the relationship, from the point of view of the perpetrator, is likely to be criminal. The relationship is likely to be of some duration and, if unchecked, may lead to a pattern of repeat and worsening abuse. (Safetynetuk.org)

'Tricky Friends' is a short animation aimed at helping people to understand what good friendships are, when they might be harmful, and what they can do. The video was initially developed by Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board, with the aim of supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, those with cognitive difficulties and wider audiences to make and maintain positive friendships. We want to reduce the risk of harm and exploitation in groups who may be less able to recognise the intentions of others. We hope that this animation is used as a way to help people to think about the issues, to start conversations, and keep people safe while enjoying friendships.  

The animation is only 3 minutes long, and can be used with or by anyone - carers, family, organisations, groups.

View the Tricky Friends animation on YouTube

More information on mate crime can be found on our procedures and practice resources website (opens new window).

Modern slavery

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. Traffickers and slave drivers coerce, deceive and force individuals against their will into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. It can take many forms including:

• human trafficking
• forced labour
• debt bondage
• forced marriage

More information on modern slavery can be found on our procedures and practice resources website (opens new window).

Grooming: it should be noted that exploitation will include some form of grooming, where perpetrators will build an emotional bond with their victim in order to gain their trust, victims are often unaware of this process. Grooming frequently takes place via social media, and the potential for abuse here is vast.