Council praises ‘brave’ victims and admits serious concern over child exploitation

SENIOR officials at Hull City Council have acknowledged grave concerns about the risk of children being groomed and sexually abused in the city in the wake of a damning investigation exposing victims’ ordeals.

Responding to Hull Live reports about appalling and organised abuse of young women at the hands of grooming gangs, the council’s director of Children’s Services, Pauline Turner, praised the “courage” of the victims for speaking out.

And she said the council is now actively working to look for suspected grooming activity.

Mrs Turner said: “I would like to praise the courage of these young girls in coming forward to report abuse, in what are incredibly difficult circumstances.

“We would like to reassure people living in Hull that a great deal of work takes place, across partner organisations, to identify young people at risk, to support them and to disrupt any potential perpetrators.

“We have a specifically trained team who are dedicated to supporting children and young people, and helping to prevent abuse beyond the family network.

“The Vulnerable, Exploited, Missing, Trafficked (VEMT) team build relationships with young people who are at potential risk of exploitation, working with their families as well, and they seek to gain the trust of the child or young person to be able to support them.

“The team listens to young people and works with them in ways that are accessible to the young person, whether it be a walk in the park, or taking part in an activity with them, to help open up the pathways for communication.

“The VEMT team is part of a strong partnership and the holistic needs of the young person will be addressed. There is no time limit on support and we will help any child or young person for as long as they need it.

“A vital part of the work we do is to talk to people in communities to gather information on any potential young people at risk, or potential perpetrators. The team talks to retailers, park wardens, neighbourhood policing teams and young people – all of whom are often the eyes and ears of the community. Through this work we gain a good oversight of areas and people of concern in the city.

“All intelligence of people of concern is shared with Humberside Police and multi-agency action plans are put in place.

“Another significant part of our work is to deliver training about exploitation across organisations in the city, including what signs to look out for and how to help. We deliver training to schools, police, health, and out in communities from community groups to neighbourhood networks.”

Mrs Turner said the council also operates a dedicated phone line to help victims and for information.

“If any young person is worried or would like some help or advice, please speak to a trusted person such as a teacher or parent. Young people can also make contact with the VEMT team through Facebook and Instagram.

“We also want parents and communities to know they can seek help and advice, and, along with East Riding Council, we have set up a dedicated phone service for people to talk to us on 01482 613560. The phone line is available 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

“I would encourage anyone with concerns about children to report them either to Humberside Police, or the Safeguarding Hub on 01482 448879.”