New strategy to stamp out exploitation of young people
HALTON Borough Council has joined with Cheshire police to help put a stop to child sexual exploitation (CSE).
The local authority joined with the Cheshire force to publish photographs of messages written on their hands in a powerful sign of solidarity to those who have suffered from abuse.
The campaign – part of the national Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day – highlights the issues surrounding CSE and encourage residents to think, spot and speak out against abuse.
A Cheshire police spokeswoman said it also sends a ‘clear message’ to adults as well as children who develop ‘inappropriate relationships’ with other youngsters.
Halton’s Borough Council’s executive board member for children, young people and families, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: “CSE destroys lives and affects all our communities, that it is why it is so important that we all join together to protect our children and young people and send out the strong and clear message that there is no hiding place for this abhorrent crime. ●
“On this CSE Awareness Day, I would urge everyone in our community to join Halton and its partners in supporting this campaign by educating our children about the dangers of CSE and being alert to the signs of exploitation and abuse.”
The campaign aims to offer words of comfort, support and advice to children.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nigel Wenham said: “We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities.
“Every day we continue to work to protect children and to ensure the appropriate advice, support and safeguarding is in place for them.
“It is important to remember there is never one type of victim or offender and that child sexual exploitation can happen to anyone. The impact this type of crime can have on a child is absolutely devastating and can have a long lasting and significant effect on all those involved.
“CSE Awareness Day provides an opportunity for us all to focus on this very important issue.
“In particular we want to show the importance of working together to educate our children and each other about the dangers, the signs, the indicators of abuse, so that we can safeguard our children and bring to justice those who abuse.”
Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said that officers in the county are ‘committed to supporting and taking a stand’ against CSE and protecting those who are the most vulnerable.
He said: “CSE needs to be treated as business as usual with regular assertive action taken against those who offend, and to keep our young people safe from harm.
“I think it’s vital we work together to protect children and young people and I will be ensuring this continues to be a priority for the constabulary.”