Oxford,
17
March
2016
|
10:50
Europe/London

Speak out against Child Sexual Exploitation

As part of National CSE Awareness Day (18 March), the council is joining police, health services and other partners in promoting a zero tolerance approach to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.

Everyone can help raise awareness of CSE - a form of abuse involving the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under 18 into sexual activity.

Throughout today, the council will be promoting awareness of this issue on social media, with a focus on the victims' perspective.

Please visit @OxfordshireCC and/or www.facebook.com/OxfordshireCountyCouncil and share and comment on the posts.

Find out more about CSE, including how to spot the signs of abuse. If you are worried you might be being sexually exploited, or think someone else might be at risk, call 01865 335 276.

Progress

Independent Chair of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board Maggie Blyth said: “Child Sexual Exploitation is a particularly insidious crime. A huge amount of progress has been made by Oxfordshire’s child protection agencies on identifying victims of this abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice, but there can be no room for complacency on this issue.

“Everyone has a role to play in tackling this abuse. Whether it’s family or friends of a child at risk, professionals who work with children - even a complete stranger who spots something that doesn’t look right – we can all help to keep children safe.”

She added: “Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of sexual exploitation can also be assured that they will be believed, and that they will get the support and protection they need to keep them safe and to help bring abusers to justice.”

Kingfisher team

The Kingfisher Team, based at Cowley Police Station, includes staff from police, children’s social care, health and other agencies, working together to protect children who are being sexually exploited or at risk of sexual exploitation. The team is an initial point of contact for anyone with concerns about sexual exploitation, gathering intelligence about those who are offending against children. It acts on all referrals concerning CSE that come in via Thames Valley Police or Children’s Social Care.

If you are worried you might be being sexually exploited, or think someone else might be at risk, call 01865 335 276.

National campaign

Further information about National CSE Awareness Day can be found here