‘Know About CSE’ and report it is the message in the latest campaign to help tackle child sexual exploitation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. 
The latest campaign is calling on Parents, children, organisations and schools to unite in tackling CSE and aims to raise awareness and understanding of the issue, how to spot the signs and how to report it.
The campaign, which launches ahead of National CSE Awareness Day on 18 March includes a brand new website www.knowaboutcse.co.uk with information and advice for parents and children along with useful tools, videos and tips. Schools and partner organisations are also being encouraged to download the free resources.
Last year, more than 400,000 children experiencing some sort of child abuse in England were supported because someone noticed they needed help, but a third of people who suspected abuse did nothing – either because they don’t think it’s their responsibility or they think that they have to be sure that abuse is taking place. A recent survey amongst Staffordshire parents also revealed that only 46% of parents said they were confident that they’d spot the warning signs of their child being sexually exploited.
John Wood, Joint Chair of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Children Safeguarding Boards said: ““Sexual exploitation can take many forms – both over the internet and within the community – and can be difficult to spot, unless you know what to look out for. That’s why we want people to be able to recognise the warning signs and report it.”
“We all have a role to play in stopping this and while the website has already had thousands of visitors I would urge everyone, especially parents, to check it out and help us keep children and young people safe.”
Mike Lawrence, Cabinet Member for children at Staffordshire county Council added: “It’s a sad fact that any child of any age and of any background can be a victim of this horrible crime, which wrecks lives.
“Often young people who are sexually exploited may not report the abuse because they think they are in a normal loving relationship. When a child is being groomed or exploited then it’s important that the people around them spot the abuse and do something about it. It’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.
Councillor Janine Bridges, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for education and economy, said: “Child sexual exploitation is a terrible crime that we are working hard to stop in the city. You don’t have to be absolutely certain about whether a child is being abused; if you have a feeling that something’s not right you should report it.”
Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said: “Sexual exploitation wrecks children’s lives, but it’s not always an easy thing to spot – unless you know what to look for. That’s why this campaign is so important. I’d urge parents, schools and businesses to help protect children by visiting www.knowaboutcse.co.uk where they can find out more now.”
The three-week campaign is being run by the partners of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Safeguarding Boards, including Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Police, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, health organisations and schools.
To learn more about child sexual exploitation and the campaign or to download the free resources visit www.knowaboutcse.co.uk.
Young people worried about child sexual exploitation can talk to a trusted adult or call Childline on 0800 1111 which is free and available 24 hours a day and the number won’t appear on a telephone bill. Parents can also get advice from the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Anyone who suspects a child is at immediate harm from sexual exploitation should Call 999.
