Fight against child sexual exploitation stepped up in Warwickshire - The Coventry Observer

Fight against child sexual exploitation stepped up in Warwickshire

Coventry Editorial 18th Mar, 2019   0

THE FIGHT against child sexual exploitation is being stepped up in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and children’s charity Barnardo’s are backing the ‘Something’s Not Right’ campaign which aims to raise awareness and tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE) at the early stages.

More than 100 children and young people affected by CSE in Warwickshire were supported last year, and there were 27 prosecutions of perpetrators – resulting in over 100 years of imprisonment, and numerous comparative restrictive and sex offender registration orders.

There has been an increase in reported cases of CSE in the county, which is believed to be partly attributed to increased awareness.




Raising awareness in Warwickshire has been a key objective during the past year, with targeted training provided in hotels, pubs, clubs and bars, fast food venues, as well as to taxi drivers, health organisations and schools.

Det Insp Jill Fowler of Warwickshire Police said: “Together with our partners we are committed to protecting children from harm, and we are working to inform, educate and prevent child sexual exploitation.


“Individuals who sexually abuse and exploit children pose a significant risk to our society and we will continue to identify and pursue them through the criminal justice system at every opportunity.

“CSE can affect young people from all walks of life, there is no stereotypical victim of exploitation but there are warning signs in children’s behaviour that may indicate something’s not right. It is important that everyone can recognise these warning signs and know where to turn to for help so that interventions can be put in place at the earliest opportunity.

“If people know what to look out for they can take steps to help a child that is being exploited. Everyone in society has a responsibility to do all they can to protect vulnerable young people.

“If you’re worried about the way someone is treating you, or someone else. If Something’s Not Right, call or text the Say Something helpline on 116 000. It’s anonymous and free.”

County children’s services spokesman Coun Jeff Morgan said everyone had a part to play in the fight.

He added: “Tackling CSE in Warwickshire is a key objective for us as part of our commitment to put children at the heart of everything we do and in our initiatives to keep residents safe.

“CSE is a form of sexual abuse that can affect any child, anytime, anywhere – regardless of their social or ethnic background. It is something that we all need to be aware of and take action when we see the signs.”

Anyone with concerns about a child, location or situation should call police on 101 (999 in an emergency). Visit www.warwickshirecse.co.uk for more information on how to recognise the signs of exploitation, spot when something’s not right and where to get help.

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