Hornets tackle child sex abuse

PLAYERS and coaches from Rochdale Hornets are backing a new campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation.

Joining forces with police, charities and local leaders, they are taking a stand against child abuse as part of a week of action.

Dubbed ‘It’s not Okay,’ the campaign was launched at Sunday’s match against the Bradford Bulls at the Crown Oil Arena.

The Hornets are one of a number of sports clubs across Greater Manchester taking part in the campaign, including Salford Red Devils, Wigan Warriors and FC United.

Hornets community Coaches Mike Ratu and Jay Lobwein will this week be visiting schools across Rochdale alongside the Sunrise team, a dedicated unit set up to tackle child sexual abuse, to run sports sessions and advise pupils on how to look out for signs of sexual exploitation and how to report it.

A Hornets spokesman said: “Hornets are standing alongside police, charities and local authorities to launch the ‘It’s Not Okay’ campaign to send a clear message out to communities that child sexual exploitation has no place within sport.

“Greater Manchester is a ●●Mike Ratu from Rochdale Hornets alongside Sunrise Detectives Julie Barker and Chris Sherbourne at the launch of the It’s Not Okay fantastic place for sport and we want to celebrate this while ensuring it is a safe space for children and young people. There will be activity taking place throughout Greater Manchester this week to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation with those that play, watch or coach sport. At the game, officers were on hand to speak with fans and distribute some promotional material.”

Det Supt Joanne Rawlinson said: “Allegations of historical child sex abuse within sport have recently been highlighted nationally and it is important that people feel able to come forward regardless of whether the abuse happened 10 years ago or 10 days ago.”

She said it was vital that sporting staff know how to respond to a child who may be a victim - and training would help identify the signs of abuse, provide support and also boost understanding of the issue.

Describing Greater Manchester’s sporting reputation as ‘world class,’ Beverley Hughes, deputy mayor for Policing and Crime, said it was vital that coaches can recognise the signs and know what to do if a child is being abused.

To report child sexual exploitation, call police on 101 or 999 if a child is in immediate danger. Alternatively, visit thesunriseteam.co.uk.