Vulnerability, Vaping and VAWG

In 1998, we were commissioned to create a new theatre in education programme. This became Working for Marcus programme, our first to address the issue of child exploitation. Over the years, the programme has undergone many major rewrites and updates. Much of the core has remained the same, focusing on helping young people to spot the signs of grooming and exploitation and know where to get help.

Of course, over time, the context and methods have changed. The internet and apps have transformed many aspects, and high-profile cases have highlighted the role of organised crime groups and gangs.

Over the last three decades, many local authorities, police forces, PCCs and CSPs have used the programme to support their strategies and education around child exploitation. The drama and workshops help to get their messages across and link to wider campaigns or support being offered.

Every year, we review each of our programmes. Working for Marcus has had key changes to reflect the latest research and best practice.

There is now more work to explore the vulnerability of those who may be targeted and groomed. This has helped to build empathy for victims and challenge victim-blaming, as groups understand that individuals were targeted and exploited because of their vulnerability. It can help students understand why victims may make certain decisions due to neglect, poverty, or the need to care for others.

The programme also helps to disrupt current methods used by perpetrators. We are hearing from councils we work with about a rise in the use of vapes as a way to groom young people. The high cost and legal inaccessibility of vapes to young people, combined with their popularity, has led to perpetrators approaching young people with “free” vapes before gradually drawing them into exploitation.

Any work on child exploitation needs to address violence against women and girls (VAWG). This always needs to be handled sensitively and appropriately. Our work is trauma-informed, and we never depict violent acts on stage. Instead, the drama and workshop allow students to understand the impact of violence and exploitation on the main female character. This builds empathy with victims and highlights the links between violence and county lines.

Working for Marcus has engaged with thousands of young people, helping them to be safer and more able to spot the signs of child exploitation.

To find out how Working For Marcus can help support your strategy and campaigns, contact us on 0121 446 4880.