Wolverhampton is witnessing a significant shift in the landscape of child exploitation, with a new city council report indicating a notable rise in boys being coerced into criminal activity. The comprehensive analysis, which examined trends over the past five years, also found that children from ethnic minority backgrounds are disproportionately affected by these forms of abuse.
The report details an overall increase in the number of children identified as being at risk of, or experiencing, exploitation within the city. Data shows an 81% surge in young people supported by the council's child exploitation team, rising from 91 in 2021 to 165 in 2025. This increase is partially attributed by the council to improved monitoring and quicker identification of victims, suggesting a greater understanding of the issue.
A key finding is the changing nature of exploitation. While the number of children identified as victims of organised sexual grooming (Child Sexual Exploitation or CSE) saw a 36% decrease between 2021 and 2025, falling from 149 to 95, Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) experienced a 10% rise, from 178 to 195 over the same period. This pattern, according to the report, broadly aligns with national trends.
The demographic of victims is also evolving, with boys now making up 62% of children receiving help. The average age of victims has remained consistent at 14 years. Furthermore, the 2025 data specifically highlighted a disproportionate number of children from Black or mixed ethnic backgrounds becoming victims of exploitation. Factors such as deprivation, neurodiversity, domestic abuse, and neglect are cited in the report as increasing a child's vulnerability.
The report also touched upon the increasing visibility of adult exploitation, particularly financial exploitation and 'cuckooing', where criminals exploit vulnerable individuals to use their homes for illicit activities. While acknowledging the effectiveness of the city's multi-agency response, the council report concludes that rising demand for support services and the evolving nature of criminal activity continue to place pressure on existing system capacity.