ECPAT More Than Words Report

Helping Shape the “More Than Words” Report with Abianda and ECPAT UK

Being part of the conversations that helped shape the ECPAT UK “More Than Words” report was a real privilege — and something I won’t forget.

Working with Abianda, I had the opportunity to contribute my lived experience and perspective to help challenge the way we talk about and define child exploitation and trafficking (you can read about my experience at the workshop here). This report really highlights how the UK’s current definitions often fail to protect children. Too often, young people are seen as making “choices” when in reality, they’re being coerced, groomed, or manipulated.

What stood out to me was how international definitions make it clear that children cannot consent to their own exploitation — yet in our systems here, that understanding isn’t always reflected. That gap has real consequences. It means children are left unsupported, misunderstood, or even blamed.

I’m proud to have played a part in pushing for change — whether it was sharing my thoughts on language, feeding into the recommendations, or helping shine a light on how these issues play out for real young people. Abianda created space for me to feed in, and ECPAT UK listened. That’s what real co-production should look like. Thank you to ECPAT UK for the opportunity.

There’s still a long way to go, but this report is a step in the right direction. We need legal definitions that actually match what young people are experiencing. And we need systems that don’t punish victims for being exploited. Without this, people will continue to be missed at the earliest possible chance, which leads to further harm.

I hope this report encourages decision-makers to listen, reflect, and act — because children deserve protection, not punishment.

By: Charlie Cross, Abianda Senior Lived Experience Consultant