Letter shows ignorance over sexual exploitation

THE recent letter from your correspondent berating the ‘stupidity’ of Bethany Platt and her family in Coronation Street underlines the ignorance that persists with regards to the sexual exploitation of children and young people.

Having worked with young people who have been exploited and the dedicated professionals helping them to recover from the abuse they suffer, I know the scenario painted by Coronation Street is frighteningly accurate.

The fact that Bethany is 16 and ‘above the age of consent’ is irrelevant. She is consenting within what she believes is a loving relationship and yet it is clear that she is being groomed for sexual activity for the gratification of older men.

The programme has also demonstrated the vulnerability to exploitation of young people like Bethany with the previous storylines of bullying, eating disorder and poor self image.

I take great exception to children and young people who suffer from these conditions to be labelled as ‘stupid.’

Neither is it unusual for parents to mistakenly see the older ‘boyfriend’ as a steadying influence on a young person without appreciating there is actually a very ‘shadowy character’ in the background, as portrayed so superbly in Coronation Street.

I agree completely with Pc Sally Baines that the programme is doing a great job of bringing the sexual exploitation of young people into focus. AS another grandfather, I share David Hill’s concern about an increasing threat to peace in Europe (Feedback, Tuesday March 21).

However, as someone who has followed events in Ukraine over many years – my parents were born there and I understand the language – I find that his letter largely misdirects the reader with regard to the nature of that threat and mischaracterises the events of what Ukrainians now refer to as a