Staffordshire Police Cadets are going on the front foot in the fight against Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
Cadets at all units have taken part in interactive training over a two-week period by Staffordshire Police’s Prevent CSE Team. The awareness sessions looked at how to spot the signs of CSE, its effects, the law, and where to go to for help. They also included discussions about how to stay safe online and the dangers of ‘sexting’.
The Staffordshire Police Cadet Service was launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. Successful Cadet units, for youngsters aged 14 to 17, have been launched in Stafford, Cannock, Burslem, Tamworth, Longton and Codsall.
All units have taken part in the CSE training and a number of Cadets are set to become CSE ‘champions’ to help raise awareness among their peers.
Mr 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.
“By taking part in these sessions, Staffordshire Police Cadets will have a much greater awareness of CSE and be able to spread the word to their peers about its dangers.
“The Police Cadet Service has had a positive influence on the lives of many young people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent – some from challenging backgrounds. It’s all about giving advantages to young people by allowing them to gain valuable life skills and training in areas like this.”
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.
Earlier this year, the ‘Know About CSE’ campaign was launched in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. It called on parents, children, organisations and schools to unite in tackling CSE and aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the issue, how to spot the signs and how to report it.
It also saw the creation of a new website, www.knowaboutcse.co.uk, which has information and advice for parents and children along with useful tools, videos and tips.
Meanwhile, businesses are being invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme click here
