Improving participatory practice with children and Young people affected by sexual violence – learning from practitioners and young people voices - What the literature tells us about the participation of children and young people

ObjectivesIndividual testimony and official enquiries have repeatedly highlighted the silencing of the experiences of young people who have experienced sexual violence and exploitation. One aspect in the response to the... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives

Individual testimony and official enquiries have repeatedly highlighted the silencing of the experiences of young people who have experienced sexual violence and exploitation. One aspect in the response to the reporting of these experiences has been a growing practice and policy emphasis on the importance of ‘participation’ to the effective delivery of services and support for children and young people affected by child sexual exploitation (CSE).   

Despite this, there has been a lack of research attention to the extent and nature of participation in CSE services, and a lack of conceptual clarity regarding its significance in this context.

Method

 This paper is based on a scoping review of the UK literature relating to the participation of children and young people in CSE services, which sought to remedy this deficit.  This has taken place as part of the Alexi Project, an evaluation of CSE services?in England.  The review aimed to examine the evidence regarding the conceptualisation and theoretical hinterland of ‘participation’, and evidence relating to the use and effectiveness of participatory approaches in CSE services.

Results

This paper reports on the findings from the review.  These affirm the significance of ‘participation’ for young people in receipt of CSE services, in that the evidence attests to the relevance and importance of characteristics of service delivery that correspond to current definitions of services that are participative in approach. 

Conclusions

The paper also identifies gaps in the evidence base and suggests future directions for research in this area.