Home Invasion

Mate crime is a type of hate crime that involves the inappropriate befriending of a young person with the intention of then exploiting or abusing them.

Examples of exploitation include:

1. Stealing money or goods;
2. Forced labour;
3. Coercion into spending money or giving away possessions;
4. Coercion into prostitution or other sexual acts;
5. Coercion to commit criminal offences e.g. buying/selling drugs

The person may be using abusive or harmful behaviour, including;

1. Threats of harm;
2. Saying things to create feelings of worthlessness or dependency;
3. Actual physical assault or restraint;
4. Withholding of medication or possessions important to the adult;
5. Covert or overt use of drugs or alcohol.

The abuse or exploitation often happens in private and the 'relationship' may appear on the face of it to be genuine to both the adult and their networks of support.

Home invasion (sometimes referred to as cuckooing) occurs when the person that has befriended the young person and moves in, takes over the property, and uses it to grow or distribute drugs, or as a base for other illegal activities such as sex work. The young person is often manipulated or forced to become involved in the illegal activity against their will.

Those targeted are usually socially isolated or living on their own. This is clearly intentional as it reduces the likelihood that the behaviour will be challenged by others.

However, with the increase in social media people are now also using these platforms to befriend adults that may be living with others or in a family environment.

The following are some examples of indicators of Mate Crime and Home Invasion:

1. Changes in behaviour (e.g. becoming more withdrawn or increase in risk taking);
2. Changes in appearance (taking less or more care, weight loss);
3. Financial difficulty (e.g. bills not paid, unable to buy food);
4. Changes to household environment (e.g. missing possessions, rubbish, unusual items such as cigarettes, alcohol);
5. Changes in routine and regular activities;
6. Withdrawing from existing networks of support and services;
7. Unexplained injuries;
8. Secretive or increased mobile phone or social media use;
9. Talking about new 'friends';
10. Suddenly changing a will.

As part of the safeguarding process it will be necessary to speak to the young person about the concerns that have been raised.

Sometimes the young person will know that their 'friend' is not really their friend. However in other cases they may not realise this, even if it is obvious to observers of the relationship.

Conversations should be sensitive, recognising that it may take some time for the young person to understand and accept the situation. An insensitive approach runs the risk that the young person will isolate themselves further, increasing their overall vulnerability.

Despite the exploitation, coming to terms with the failed 'friendship' can also be very difficult, as the young person may feel rejected or worthless without it. There is also a risk that they may rebound into a similar relationship without good support.

When making decisions about the most appropriate and proportionate course of action the following risk factors should be considered:

1. The young person may have been experiencing the exploitation or abuse for a significant amount of time;
2. Whether the person could have access to the young person's home or an ability to coerce their way inside;
3. Whether the young person is (or feels they are) dependent on the person in some way;
4. The risk of harm could increase after the young person has received help as the perpetrator tries to take back control;
5. The perpetrator may be unlikely to let the young person simply 'walk away' from the relationship.

Building the young person's resilience and developing their ability to stay safe may be the most appropriate and proportionate response to a concern.

Developing skills around relationships

Where deemed appropriate, the young person should be supported to develop their skills in the following areas:

1. What makes a good friend;
2. How to recognise a 'fake' friend;
3. What to do if someone behaves in a way they do not like and how to seek help.

Depending on the nature of the concerns, this may need to include appropriate sexual relationship advice.

Support to Stay Safe Online

Where the internet is a relevant factor, the young person may benefit from support to enable them to recognise online risks and reduce the likelihood of harm occurring.

This may include:

1. Understanding how information or images posted online may be used;
2. How to use privacy settings;
3. How to 'accept' or 'reject' a friend request;
4. How to stop seeing something, including blocking; and
5. Staying safe when meeting with people met online.

Please read this chapter in conjunction with the Recognising abuse and Neglect and Safeguarding Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns.