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 Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Safeguarding boards and local authorities, the campaign officially launched today (Wednesday).
As part of the campaign Alice’s 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 20:00-21:00 tonight (Wednesday 25th May) with the hashtag #CSEHelpMe.
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.”
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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.”
For more information about the campaign visit www.alicesdiary.org or follow @alicesdiarycse.
To report child sexual exploitation call Police on 101 quoting CSE Help Me, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
