The investigation and representation of multi-perpetrator child sexual exploitation (CSE) in England and Wales

Colley, Sarah

Abstract

This thesis explores the challenges of investigating multi-perpetrator child sexual exploitation (CSE). There is a lack of overall knowledge of who the offenders are within this form of sexual offending against children. This research addresses this gap by examining the problematic conceptualising of CSE offending as a form of organised crime, and provides new data on both the prevalence and characteristics of the offenders. It adopts a mixed methods approach and uses both traumagenic and organised crime theories to provide insights into the detecting of the offending groups from a policing perspective. Quantitative data, gathered via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent to all English and Welsh police forces, studies the prevalence of multi-perpetrator CSE across England and Wales, in addition to highlighting the limitations of using the data. Qualitative data, collated from interviews with 25 serving, or recently-retired, Senior Investigating Officers representing 17 police forces, emphasises the overwhelming nature of the investigations with several constraining factors identified as hindering the investigations. Some of these are workplace stressors such as a lack of training and skilled officers, whilst other factors highlight the complexities of these investigations, such as the extensive number of offenders, some of whom are never identified, coupled with supporting vulnerable victim-survivors for lengthy periods of time. All of which equates to
traumatic investigations for the victim-survivors and indeed the police officers themselves. These investigations do not often result in traditionally successful outcomes and evidence is also provided of the re-traumatisation of the victim-survivors during the criminal justice
process, if the cases reach that stage. This thesis closes with 11 different recommendations under the NCA’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy’s 4 Ps framework: Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare.

Citation

Colley, S. The investigation and representation of multi-perpetrator child sexual exploitation (CSE) in England and Wales. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4867065

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 16, 2024
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4867065
• Additional Information: School of Sociology and Criminology; University of Hull
• Award Date: Apr 3, 2024