Could you spot the signs?
Published Monday, 30th September 2013New guidance is set to help young people and parents across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland spot the signs of child sexual exploitation.
From today (Monday), 100,000 leaflets are being sent out as part of a new thought-provoking campaign called 'could you spot the signs?' launched by the two local safeguarding children boards.
The advice outlines what child sexual exploitation is, the tell tale signs to look out for and where to find help or report concerns. Exploitation is a form of abuse which can affect young men and young women and often victims don't recognise what is happening to them.
Paul Burnett, independent chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland Local Safeguarding Children Board, said: "We want to reassure parents that although child sexual exploitation is rare, it's an issue we take extremely seriously.
"National research suggests under-reporting is an issue across the UK and we're keen to raise awareness by starting a conversation. Often the victims are not aware they're being exploited and we hope that this simple but powerful campaign will help people recognise the tell tale signs and encourage them to speak up if they have concerns." David Jones, independent chair of the Leicester Safeguarding Children Board, said: "Child sexual exploitation, although rare, can devastate lives, so the safeguarding boards in Leicester City and Leicestershire and Rutland take this seriously.
The campaign includes sending flyers to taxi companies, B and Bs, pubs and other sections of the leisure industry.
Over the last 12 months, the two boards have:
- trained over 500 teachers, social workers, police officers and other practitioners to help them spot the signs and know what to do if they suspect abuse
- created a new child sexual exploitation action plan which councils, police, health and other agencies have signed up
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