ABSTRACT
Words matter because they affect how we conceptualise problems, prioritise issues, and forge responses. Inconsistent use of language and terms can lead to inconsistent laws and policy responses on the same issue. Despite the existence of legal definitions for a number of sexual crimes against children, there is still considerable confusion surrounding the use of different terminology related to the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. This chapter draws on an evaluation of child sexual exploitation (CSE) policy frameworks across the four UK nations and a review of UK CSE literature conducted by the authors. It also draws on the authors' reflections on their delivery of CSE training programmes to a range of professionals across the UK over the last five years, specifically participant engagement around issues of definitional confusion and practice challenges. The chapter considers international learning from and for UK developments with particular reference to the 2016 Luxembourg Terminology Guidelines.
