Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness seminar – The More You Know, The More You See

Child Sexual Exploitation is an emotive issue and one that is often difficult to discuss.

Understanding the extent of it within the local area was something that members of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the Wellbeing Action Partnership sought to learn at a recent seminar led by Dr Michael Hoy from the South Health and Social Care Trust.

The Policing and Community Safety Partnership with the Southern Health & Social Care Trust aim to support the campaign developed by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

The Safeguarding Board public awareness campaign The More You Know, The More You See aims to increase public awareness around this form of child sexual abuse by targeting members of the public, including key groups, who may have the opportunity to recognise Child Sexual Exploitation and take action if they have concerns.

Helen McKenzie, Professional Officer leading on Child Sexual Exploitation stated, “Safeguarding is everyone’s business so the Safeguarding Board have developed this campaign, ‘The More You Know, the More You See’ to raise public awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

“This is a form of child sexual abuse which sees children and young people manipulated or forced by their abuser into taking part in some form of sexual activity in return for something the young person needs or wants, for example affection, alcohol, drugs, accommodation,” she added.

Things you can look out for:

Does the young person appear to be
• Under 18 years old?
• With an older person and in a relationship?
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
• Going to a hotel, house party or secluded location?

If you are concerned ring the Police on 101 or if there is an immediate danger 999.

You can ring crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the NSPCC adult Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Child Sexual Exploitation can happen to any young person regardless of social or ethnic background. The public is being encouraged to read the information available from the Safeguarding Board on their website www.safertoknow.info .and report anything suspicious.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Oct 6 2014. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry