POLICE are railing against the sexual exploitation of children.
Officers from the Warwickshire multi-agency CSE (child sexual exploitation) team have this week been at railway stations across the county to urge commuters and youngsters to look out for the early warning signs. It is part of Warwickshire’s Something’s Not Right campaign with the police, councils, and the voluntary sector working together to spread the message.
Det Insp Nigel Jones from Warwickshire Police said everyone had a role to play in tacking the sexual exploitation of children.
He told The Observer “We want everyone to be aware of the signs of CSE.
“During this week of action we are raising awareness among those using public transport so they can be our eyes and ears as they move around Warwickshire and beyond.
“I hope passengers, young and old, will take the time to find out more about the signs to look out for and how to report concerns and play their part in helping to keep young people in the region safe.
“There will be information available on the signs to look out for to help people identify concerns, along with advice on how to get help.”
CSE involves perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways – from face to face, online, and through texting – to gain a child’s trust before abusing them.
It can take place in many forms, whether through a seemingly consensual relationship, or a young person being forced to have sex in return for some kind of payment, such as drugs, money, gifts or even protection and affection.
Signs can include a young person with an older person who does not appear to be a relative or carer, a younger person looking anxious, distressed or upset and truancy from school.
Visit www.somethingsnotright.org for more information.
Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call Warwickshire Police on 101, speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or in an emergency call 999.
