A CAMPAIGN was launched today to help people spot the signs and report child sexual exploitation.
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“We are committed to working with partners and across communities to deliver it and to reduce the risk posed by those who sexually exploit children by continually developing tactics that assist the detection and disruption of offending behaviour, in particular the continued threat posed online, in order to protect children and young people from harm”.
CSE is described as a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.
Chief Constable Byrne added: “Working together with our partners across Cheshire, we’re here where you need us, when you need us by ensuring that those preying on their vulnerable victims are brought to justice, and that victims of this abhorrent crime are given the support they need”.
The new campaign is the latest phase of Lancashire Police’s “The More You Know, The More You See” project to try to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
“Young people often don’t recognise that they are being sexually exploited nor do their families or communities”. It is beyond my comprehension that vulnerable young people can be subjected to such horrific abuse.
Organisations and individuals across the country are being called upon to unite against child sexual exploitation (CSE) for a national awareness campaign.
We would encourage people, particularly young people, to look at the signs of CSE and contact police with any information.
Barnardo’s said victims come from all ethnic and faith backgrounds.
The first phase of the campaign targeted awareness-raising of CSE to parents, carers and the public.
He said: “I urge anyone who has any suspicions, no matter how small, to report your concerns to the police”.
It is impossible to know exactly how many children are affected as there is no specific law against child sexual exploitation.
The charity aims to highlight all of the issues involved with CSE and encourages people to adopt a zero tolerance approach to inappropriate relationships between adults and children. “If you see something that raises your concerns, please report it”.
A website, www.saysomethingswindon.co.uk, was recently launched by Swindon Borough Council to inform visitors about CSE.
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“I want everyone in Essex to help me by making sure you understand the dangers of child sexual exploitation and the way that grooming can happen”.
