Hampshire Constabulary share details of this latest campaign. Ed
Spot the signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE) – that is what Hampshire Constabulary’s new campaign is asking of parents, young people, teachers, social workers, and other volunteers and professionals working with potential victims of CSE.
The campaign’s striking artwork, illustrated by Southsea artist Roma-May Daly, aims to make people surrounding a victim of CSE aware of the signs. Supported by partners including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Safeguarding boards and local authorities the campaign officially launches on Wednesday, May 25.
Alice’s diary
As part of the campaign a Diary blog is also being launched. The blog written by 15-year-old ‘Alice’, her friends, family and teachers goes into detail about how CSE happens and can be identified by those around her. It will also be a source of help and support to tackle CSE.
A Twitter live chat is also being held between 8 and 9pm on Wednesday, May 25 #CSEHelpMe.
Assistant Chief Constable Sara Glen said:
“Child sexual exploitation is such an important issue affecting more young people than many of us realise. We understand that a measure of a civilised society is its ability to protect the most vulnerable. Our new campaign aims to speak to people who have regular contact with victims of CSE to encourage them to identify the signs. In most cases these people are the key to getting help for victims, as those wrapped up in the world of CSE are often unable or refuse to admit there is an issue.
“This campaign looks very different to anything we have produced before and we were really pleased to work with a local illustrator to help us get this important message across.
“Protecting vulnerable people is our priority. We hope that by raising awareness of the signs of CSE we can keep more young people safe with the support of our partners.”
Important campaign welcomed
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council and Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
“The Isle of Wight Council, in partnership with other agencies, has strong processes in place to identify, protect and support children at risk of child sexual exploitation. This important campaign is welcomed.”
A novel approach
Hampshire Council Cabinet Member for children’s social care, Councillor Keith Mans said:
“Anything that helps young people recognise that all may not be what it seems and to be vigilant has to be a positive move.
“Hampshire Constabulary is taking a novel approach to raising awareness of the dangers of Child Sexual Exploitation and I fully support what they are aiming to do.”
Essential campaign gets attention of young people
Maggie Blyth Independent chair of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Boards commented:
”This campaign is important as part of awareness raising of CSE throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In particular it is important that messages to out to all children and young people, as anyone can be vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
“It is so essential any campaign gets the attention of young people to make them aware of the potential dangers, enabling them to make the right choices and keep themselves safe.”
Kim Drake, Service Director, Children and Families Services, Council said:
“This important campaign will continue to raise the profile of child sexual exploitation.
“The perspective of a young victim is powerful and will help people to recognise and respond to more children.
“Working together we can make more people aware of the signs to look out for and ensure we get alongside vulnerable young people to help them as early as possible. council fully supports Hampshire Constabulary’s campaign.”
Hampshire Council’s deputy director of children’s services said:
“Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a concern because too often the young person will not see themselves as a victim, so it’s harder to intervene and help.
“That’s why we’re asking people close to someone who’s at risk of CSE, friends, parents, teachers, to take notice of this campaign and get in touch if they are worried.
“We’re asking people to look out for changes in behaviour such as often having money or gifts, distant and reluctant to engage with their usual social group or perhaps hanging out with older, different friends.”
For more information about the campaign visit Alice’s Diary or follow @alicesdiarycse
To report child sexual exploitation please call us on 101 quoting CSE Help Me, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
