Mate Crime

Mate crime is the inappropriate befriending of an adult by another person or persons with the intention of abusing and/or exploiting them.

Exploitation can include, but is not limited to:

1. Forced labour (modern slavery);
2. Coercion into spending money or giving away possessions (financial or material abuse);
3. Coercion into prostitution or other sexual acts (sexual abuse);
4. Coercion to commit criminal offences e.g. buying/selling drugs, shoplifting;
5. Coercion into County Lines activity.

In the early stages of mate crime, the person will usually behave in ways that build rapport and trust with the adult, homing in on the material and/or emotional things that the adult in question genuinely needs or desires. For example, buying them gifts, spending quality time with them, giving them drugs or alcohol.

Once befriended, the person can use a range of abusive or harmful behaviour towards the adult, either to abuse / neglect them, or to ensure their compliance with exploitation: For example:

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 person may continue to display the original ‘positive’ behaviours alongside those behaviours that abuse and exploit the adult, to maintain the charade of friendship.

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.

Those adults most at risk of mate crime are usually socially isolated or living on their own. This is clearly intentional on the part of the person befriending them, as it reduces the likelihood that the exploitation will be challenged by others.

This does not mean that adults who live with others or in a family environment are not at risk. Social media platforms provide a gateway to these adults that can also be exploited to befriend them online in the same way as befriending in person. 

Examples of indicators of Mate Crime include, but are not limited to:

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 Changes in behaviour (e.g. becoming more withdrawn or increase in risk taking);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.

Where cuckooing (forced home invasion) is taking place, the following could also be indicators:

• Unfamiliar individuals coming and going from the property at all hours;
• Increase in loitering in the area around the property or takeaway deliveries at unusual hours;
• Increase in noise or disturbance levels, including late - night parties, arguments, littering etc;
• Damage to the property, such as broken windows and doors;
• Threats or intimidation to other residents or neighbours.

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

Sometimes the adult 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 adult to understand and accept the situation. An insensitive approach runs the risk that the adult 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 adult may feel rejected or worthless without it. There is also a risk that they may rebound into a similar relationship without good support.

Adults that are the victims of mate crime are likely to have had traumatic experiences, even if they do not recognise them as such. Responses from a trauma informed perspective should always be considered, and the adult made central to the safeguarding process and any decisions that are made.

Use professional curiosity – bring together all evidence sources and actively seek different perspectives and professional inputs to build a picture of the whole story.

For further information see: Professional Curiosity.

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

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

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