Know the signs of child sexual exploitation

Cheshire Police and its partners are continuing to raise awareness to protect young people across Cheshire.

As part of an ongoing campaign focusing on child sexual exploitation information packs are being distributed to every secondary school in the county.

Each pack contains key information and advice for teachers and those working with young people on the signs and behaviours associated with CSE. This is to complement the work already taking place in schools across Cheshire.

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Wenham, from Cheshire Police’s Strategic Public Protection Unit, said: “Child sexual exploitation is an issue that Cheshire Police and its partners take extremely seriously and it is important that we all continue to work together to deliver a greater understanding of this complex subject.

“Much work has already been done locally to provide a real focus on CSE and to target victims and potential victims – encouraging them to be aware of the signs of child sexual exploitation and to seek help and advice if they feel they are at risk.

“The latest phase of the campaign is focusing on schools. It is about raising awareness of the issue amongst teachers and others working with young people − encouraging them to familiarise themselves with the signs and behaviours associated with this issue. The packs will be offering advice and guidance on what they can do to help young people who they believe may be in danger of being sexually exploited.

“We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and everyone involved is working hard to tackle the issue. We are ensuring the appropriate advice, support and safeguarding is in place for victims and potential victims.

“It is important to remember that there is not one type of victim or offender – child sexual exploitation can happen to any young person.”

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said: “I take this matter very seriously and have called together leaders from all of the organisations who have a role to play in tackling child sexual exploitation.

“Our role is to ensure that we can be satisfied that everything that can be done, is being done and will continue to be done by all agencies at all levels. However, this is an issue that needs to be tackled across the whole of society including education, and everybody has a role to play in ensuring child sexual exploitation does not become the norm.”

The campaign, which first launched in November 2013, aims to provide a greater understanding of child sexual exploitation − and the issues surrounding it.

Work has already been carried out as part of the campaign to raise awareness amongst young people about child sexual exploitation, explain what it is and offer advice and support to victims, potential victims and their family and friends.

The campaign is supported by a website – www.knowandsee.co.uk – packed with information and advice about the issue.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be at risk of child sexual exploitation please contact Cheshire Police on 101.