Understanding exploitation

Exploitation is the deliberate manipulation or abuse of power used to have control over another person, usually for some form of gain. This can be for a range of reasons including personal, financial or sexual. 

Exploitation can take many forms, but no type of exploitation is acceptable. 

Further information is available on the Avon and Somerset Police's Lighthouse Victim and Witness Care website. 

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Blackmail

Definitions and warning signs of blackmail, where someone threatens to expose information about you in exchange for monetary gain
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County lines

Definition and warning signs of county lines scams, where someone is manipulated into setting up a phone line for use in criminal activity or drug sales
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Cuckooing

Definition and warning signs for cuckooing, where gangs will manipulate someone into letting someone use their home for criminal purposes
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Fraud

Definition and warning signs of fraud, and what you can do if you think you have become a victim of it
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Mate crime

Definition and warning signs of mate crime, where someone befriends you in order to manipulate you into criminal activity
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Online abuse

Definition and warning signs of online abuse, and what you can do if you think you have become a victim of it
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Predatory marriage

Definition and warning signs of predatory marriage, where someone forces a vulnerable person into marriage for exploitative reasons
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Radicalisation

Definitions and warning signs of radicalisation, where someone is manipulated into adopting radical positions on political or social issues
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Scamming

Definition and warning signs of scams and what to do if you think you've become a victim of one
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Sexual exploitation

Definitions and warning signs of sexual exploitation, and what to do if you need help