Spotting the signs of adult sexual exploitation

In your relationships with partners, friends or family, you should feel:

  • loved,
  • trusted,
  • safe,
  • respected,
  • free to be yourself,
  • free to make your own choices.

You shouldn’t:

  • Feel forced or pressured into any sexual activity.
  • Feel pressured by your partner, friend or family member to:
    • Sell sex on the street, in parlours or online.
    • Engage in other online sexual activities, for example setting up an OnlyFans account.
  • Feel pressured by someone to have sex with them or anyone else, to pay them back for loans, accommodation or other favours they have done for you.
  • You also should not feel like you have to exchange sex in order to survive, for example, in order to pay for basic needs such as food or a place to stay.

 

Concerned about someone else?

What can I do?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger you should contact the police on 999.

If you are concerned that you may be being exploited, or you are concerned about someone else, you can reach out to the Live Fear Free Helpline for support. The helpline can offer confidential and judgement free advice, information and support and is available 24/7.

You can contact the helpline on:

  • Call 0808 80 10 800
  • Text 07860 077333
  • Email [email protected]
  • Web chat https://gov.wales/live-fear-free/domestic-abuse-wales
  • Relay UK App –  Dial 18001 before the helpline number – 18001 0808 80 10 800. The Relay UK App need to be downloaded from iOs app store and Android Play Store. The App can be used on the computer/tablet by downloading from Windows app store.)
  • VRS Video Relay Service – SignLive can be download via iOs or Android. SignLive can also be used on web browser.  You would need to set up an account and it’s free to use. You can look in the directory for the helpline ‘ Live Fear Free’ by using the keyword – ‘ live fear’, ‘abuse’, ‘help’, helpline’, ‘violence’, ‘fear’, ‘live fear free’.

Our response to adult sexual exploitation:

In response to increased reports of women experiencing exploitation during the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020 Welsh Women’s Aid formed the All-Wales Operational group on Sexually Exploited Women. The group is committed to advocating for all survivors of adult sexual exploitation.