Abused youngsters at fault, believe schoolchildren

MORE than a half of Scottish teenagers think that children who are sexually exploited are to blame for their own plight, according to a survey by charity Barnardo's.

And nearly two-thirds of 14 to 15-year-olds questioned thought victims chose to be exploited

According to the study, 54 per cent of youngsters thought it was the young person's fault if they became a victim.

The new figures have been published today as part of a campaign by the charity to publicise warning signs that young people are falling prey to sexual exploitation. The three warning signs are: going missing for periods of time, unexplained gifts and disengagement from education.

A TV advert is also being aired to highlight the issue.

Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo's in Scotland, said: "It is worrying that so many children are unaware of the realities of sexual exploitation. Young people abused in this way have little choice and are often subjected to the grooming process.

"We are also concerned that young people failed to recognise the signs of sexual exploitation.

He said signs of possible abuse included new clothes or mobiles that "cannot be accounted for".