Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the current conceptualisation of sexual harm against children, with specific reference to the concept of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). It addresses the critical issue of how we as a society engage with the issue of sexual violence between and against children and explores the ways in which this has been 'hidden' and/or 'othered' within society. The book returns to the theme of similarities and differences between CSE and other forms of child sexual abuse. It highlights the need to move to a more nuanced and holistic understanding of vulnerability to CSE and other forms of sexual violence. The book considers issues of prevention, specifically in relation to the potential contribution that detached youth work can make to preventative and identification efforts. It also explores what the adage 'CSE is everyone's business' means for those working in the night-time economy.