Preventing sexual exploitation: evidence summary

Key findings

• Overall, this review suggests that there is a lack of robust evidence on ‘what works’ to prevent sexual exploitation, in particular in relation to primary prevention.
• That said, human trafficking and exploitation, including sexual exploitation and child sexual exploitation, are framed as significant public health issues in the literature.
• Much of the literature reviewed focuses on criminal justice interventions. This tends to focus on the effectiveness of preventative measures which aim to reduce demand for prostitution (e.g. via deterrence). The evidence reviewed suggests that such measures may have limited impact on preventing trafficking and sexual exploitation.
• A range of promising practices are identified in the literature for preventing sexual exploitation. These include contextual and situational prevention approaches which provide useful frameworks for understanding and preventing sexual exploitation by disrupting the environments and contexts in which sexual exploitation occurs.
• The impact of technology on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including child sexual exploitation is highlighted. There are varied understandings of the role that adult services websites play in both the facilitation and the prevention of sexual exploitation.
• There is emerging evidence on online deterrence and/or safety by design strategies, such as online warning messaging and signposting to support organisations for people searching online (e.g. pop up reporting and warnings). Further research and evaluation is needed to understand the effectiveness of such approaches better.
• There were limited examples of non-criminal justice prevention initiatives and their impact in the literature reviewed. Public awareness-raising campaigns and education are the most commonly cited interventions.
• A key theme highlighted in the child exploitation literature is the need for effective multi-agency working, information sharing and the continuous training of professionals working with children and young people in order to identify and support those at risk of, or experiencing, sexual exploitation.