It is very traumatic for carers or parents to suspect or discover a child is being sexually abused. Reporting concerns can be difficult, particularly when the abuser is someone that may be known and trusted by the family and young person. 

When practitioners work with families or care providers, an essential part of the role is to ensure the work undertaken between carers and young people creates an open and honest relationship so young people feel able to speak about what may be worrying them. 

Practitioners should also seek to raise awareness with parents and care providers about what some of the indicators are that suggest a young person is vulnerable to CSE. For example, noticing if they are mixing with a new group of friends, changes in their pattern of going out and socialising, receiving gifts.