National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day.

Today (Wednesday 18th March) marks National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day.

Police forces across the county and their partners are joining forces to highlight the issues surrounding CSE - encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance approach to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children and children forming inappropriate sexual relationships with their peers.

In Cheshire, a case study has been produced to mark the event.  The 5-minute video is a powerful portrait of one girl’s experience of Child Sexual Exploitation – and the impact it had on both her and her family.
Trailer video; https://youtu.be/nsM8A_MEE-o
Full video; https://youtu.be/td2g8e6YLX8

Assistance Chief Constable Guy Hindle said:  “The case study features the personal journey of one teenage girl focusing on how she was sexually exploited by a man older than her.  She talks about what happened to her and the impact this had on her and her family – encouraging other young people who may be in a similar situation to come forward and report it.

“This case resulted in a successful prosecution at court and reinforces the message that Child Sexual Exploitation is a crime and will not be tolerated.  It is hoped that the visual account will strike a chord with others – ensuring those who are being sexually exploited report it to the authorities and get all the help and support they need.”

Cheshire Police and its partners are united in the fight against Child Sexual Exploitation – and are committed to tackling this type of crime.

Information packs have been distributed to every secondary school in the county containing key information and advice for teachers and those working with young people.  Awareness packs have been distributed to hotel staff and taxi drivers across the county - accompanied by adverts on buses and taxis on key routes across Cheshire highlighting the campaign.

Cheshire Police’s campaign is supported by a website - www.knowandsee.co.uk - packed with information and advice about the issue.  The case study can be viewed via this website.

ACC Hindle added:  “Child Sexual Exploitation is an issue that Cheshire Police and its partners take extremely seriously.  We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and everyone involved continues to work hard to tackle the issue.

“On a day of national awareness raising I would urge everyone to join together and reinforce the message that Child Sexual Exploitation is not acceptable and anyone involved in this type of crime will be identified, prosecuted and punished for their actions.”
More information and useful links can be found on the Cheshire Police website;
http://cheshire.police.uk/advice--information/children-young-peoples-safety/child-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation.aspx