This in from the police, Ed
Are your children about to start secondary school or college? Do you know the signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE)? Would you feel comfortable talking to your child about what is and isn’t appropriate in a relationship? Would you know if a friend was involved in CSE?
Hampshire Constabulary’s Alice’s Diary CSE campaign launched in May and we are reiterating our advice as we approach the beginning of a new academic year. We are asking parents, young people, teachers, social workers, and other volunteers and professionals working with potential victims of CSE to spot the signs.
Alice’s Diary blog
As part of the campaign, Alice’s Diary blog is also available. 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 is also a source of help and support to tackle CSE.
Hampshire Constabulary is working with schools and colleges to help get information relating to the signs of CSE to students and teachers, directing to www.alicesdiary.org
Hampshire Constabulary lead for CSE Detective Superintendent Victoria Dennis said:
“Starting a new school, college, even a fresh academic year is often a time when new friendships are made or young people are given more trust and freedom. They may be allowed to go to parties or stay out later.
“It’s important to encourage young people to be independent but making them aware of the signs of CSE and what is appropriate in a relationship will help them to make the right choices.
“Parents, teachers and friends are the key to spotting the signs of CSE and getting help for victims; those who are being exploited within a relationship are often unable, or refuse to admit there is an issue. We are working with other agencies to tackle CSE and bring offenders to justice; we really need your help so we can protect children and stop them being exploited.”
If you are concerned that a child may be involved in child sexual exploitation or if you believe a person may be sexually exploiting a child, please call us on 101 quoting ‘CSE Help Me’, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
