Preventing sexual exploitation: evidence summary

Purpose and aims

This paper is part of a series of rapid evidence summaries which aim to explore current understanding of prevention strategies and interventions in relation to human trafficking and exploitation in the UK. These include an overarching paper on prevention approaches, and three smaller, more focused evidence reviews on preventing criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation and labour exploitation. This paper focuses on the prevention of sexual exploitation of adults and children. It was undertaken to inform the Scottish Government’s refreshed Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy. Whilst evidence is lacking on ‘what works’ to prevent sexual exploitation, the available information provides useful insight into the challenges and opportunities for prevention. The research findings and views summarised in this report do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Scottish Government or Scottish Ministers.