Catch 22 raises awareness of child sexual exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation is an issue that has been thrust into the public eye. It’s vital that everyone recognises the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation so we can all work together to tackle the problem.

Catch22 is working hard to raise awareness of the issue in secondary schools, teaching young people how to recognise the signs, how to stop them putting themselves in vulnerable situations and ultimately prevent them from becoming victims.

To help with this awareness campaign, the charity was awarded £5,000 from the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention.

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said: “Child Sexual Exploitation is a matter that I take very seriously. We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable in our communities and by raising awareness through campaigns such as this, and using the resources on the Know and See website, we can all be aware of the signs we need to look out for.

“I don’t want Child Sexual Exploitation to become the norm in society, so I was delighted when Catch22 applied to my fund for this project because I think it’s important that we spread awareness of this issue as far as possible.

“If you’re concerned that someone you know may be at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation please contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101.”

Chris Wright, Chief Executive of Catch22, said: “Catch22 has always been committed to supporting the most vulnerable children. The sexual exploitation of children has for too long been an unseen problem with damaging consequences for young people and communities. Our work in Cheshire has already established services that continue to protect children from exploitation.

“Alongside intervention, this includes screening and assessment of ‘at-risk’ young people and vital work to help them understand and recognise CSE so they can take steps to report and prevent it. The Know and See campaign is a great initiative and Cheshire Constabulary is leading the way in commissioning VCSE partners like Catch22 to get the best protection for the children and communities who need it.”

The Child Sexual Exploitation awareness campaign is supported by the website www.knowandsee.co.uk which is packed with information and advice about the issue.

Do you have a project that would fit the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund? Find out more information and how to apply by visiting www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk