Campaign aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation
A campaign that aims to encourage hotels, nightclubs, taxi firms and local communities to recognise and report signs of child sexual exploitation has been launched by Shropshire’s Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB).
“Say Something if you See Something” is a tried and tested national campaign, aimed at the commercial sector. It is expected to reach hotels, nightclubs, transport operators, retailers and leisure premises.
However, the SSCB – whose members include Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police and representatives from across the health economy – also aims to raise awareness in local communities to enable the public to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and know how to report their concerns.
As part of the campaign, a series of posters, leaflets and other material is being distributed to highlight the signs to look out for, and what to do if you suspect a child may be a victim of CSE.
These signs may include:
- Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
- Regularly missing school or not taking part in education
- Appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions
- Having older boyfriends or girlfriends.
As part of the campaign agencies and people across Shropshire are being asked to mark national child sexual exploitation awareness day on Wednesday 18 March 2015 by writing a personal pledge on their hands to help raise awareness of CSE.
Photos can be posted on twitter with the hashtags #HelpingHands #SSCB15 to help us raise awareness of CSE.
Sally Halls, independent chair of the SSCB, said:
“Sexual exploitation has been called the single biggest threat facing children and young people in the UK today. It is abuse and a crime.
“Children are groomed and exploited in different ways. It may be difficult for parents, carers and others to differentiate between ordinary teenage behaviour and the risk of involvement in sexual exploitation. However, there are some signs that may signify that children or young people are being groomed for sexual exploitation or are actually being sexually exploited.
“We all have a part to play in protecting our children. If you think a child or young person is being sexually exploited, or is at risk of being sexually exploited, then you must contact Shropshire Council’s children’s services on 0345 678 9021 and tell them your concerns. You can also speak to the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000. If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.”
SSCB has published a Learning Review which was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of its CSE strategy and response. The Learning Review and further information on CSE for professionals, parents/carers, and children and young people, can be found at www.safeguardingshropshireschildren.org.uk/scb.
Further information
National CSE Awareness Day – Wednesday 18 March 2015
*NWG’s National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day on 18 March 2015 aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children developing inappropriate relationships with other children.
SSCB Communications Pack
SSCB has created a pack of resources for all partner agencies to use in their communications with professionals, parents/carers, children and young people, the commercial sector and local communities. SSCB is encouraging agencies to make use of this pack throughout March 2015 and beyond, with a particular focus on as many agencies as possible supporting the National CSE Awareness Day on 18 March 2015.
