National Child Exploitation Awareness Day

Child Exploitation Awareness Day is a moment for all of us to pause and recognise the children whose lives are affected by exploitation—often quietly, often unseen. It is a day that reminds us not only of the scale of harm, but of the individual young people behind every statistic. At Hodge Jones & Allen, we hold their experiences at the centre of our work and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and protecting them.

Child exploitation can take many forms: sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, online grooming, trafficking, and other forms of abuse. Regardless of how it occurs, the impact on a child’s sense of safety, self worth, and wellbeing can be profound. No child should ever feel alone, afraid, or responsible for the harm done to them.

Recognising when a child may be at risk requires attentiveness and compassion. Many young people may not have the words to describe what is happening, or may fear they will not be believed. Changes in behaviour, unexplained money or gifts, new friendships with adults, going missing, secrecy, or signs of distress can all be ways a child communicates that they are struggling—sometimes the only ways they can. Listening to these signs with care can be the first step in offering safety and support.

Protecting children is something we can only achieve together. On Child Exploitation Awareness Day, we encourage everyone to learn, to listen, and to speak up when something feels wrong. Sometimes, it is a single act of awareness, compassion, or advocacy that helps a child feel seen—and helps move them a little closer to safety and hope.

Every child deserves safety and support. If you would like to speak about this matter, please contact our Youth Team on 0330 822 3451, who are committed to achieving the best outcome for your child.

Caroline Liggins, Partner and Head of the Youth Team at Hodge Jones & Allen is also the Co Chair of the Ministry of Justice Child (Criminal) Advocacy Expert Advisory Group, she has long championed the rights of children who have been exploited or placed at risk. Her and the Youth Teams’ work reflect a deep belief that every child deserves understanding, dignity, and high quality representation, especially when they have experienced trauma or have been drawn into the criminal justice system through no fault of their own.