Child sexual exploitation is often hidden – new campaign launched

Our charity is running a campaign across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, encouraging people to be vigilant to the signs of children and young people being manipulated, coerced and enduring abusive control by adults and their peers. 

We are appealing for the public to take a stand and speak up 100% anonymously to our charity with information to identify and safeguard young victims against sexual exploitation and different types of abuse.  
 
Criminals prey on young people, who are often vulnerable, and it is important that parents, friends, teachers and professionals who work with young people, and the children and young people themselves are aware of the warning signs and how to access help and support.
 
Using social media, our campaign highlights the different types of abuse and signposts to our Crimestoppers website, and to Fearless.org, our charity’s youth service, where more information on different types of criminal exploitation can be found. Young people can also report what they know about crime 100% anonymously on the Fearless site.
 
Fearless offers young people non-judgemental advice so they can make informed decisions about lifestyle choices and realise that they have an alternative option when reporting crime.
 
Any information about Child Sexual Exploitation can be passed on to our charity  100% anonymously. You will never be asked for any personal details. Call our 0800 555 111 number at any time or complete our secure online form or visit Fearless.org for young people.  
 
Always call 999 if a child is at immediate risk.

“Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child abuse that can happen to young people up and down the country. They are coerced, manipulated or can be deceived into sexual activity in exchange for items that they may need or want like gifts, vapes, drugs, money, food or even affection.
 
“Everyone can play a part in helping to protect our children and young people from those who seek to groom, profit from and exploit them, both within our communities and online.
 
“We know that criminals manipulate, use violence and intimidation to coerce individuals to do what they want them to do. This level of exploitation often leads to people feeling that they have become trapped and not knowing how to get out.
 
“We are asking the public to remain vigilant to the signs of child sexual exploitation. We are also appealing to everyone to help protect vulnerable members in our community from other forms of criminal exploitation by telling our charity anonymously what you know.”  

Fleur Brown, Crimestoppers North East Regional Manager

Please note: With Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted us. For telephone calls to our charity via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.
 
A resource booklet about CSE for professionals that work with young people can be found on the Fearless.org website. 

Find our more about child sexual exploitation signs to spot.

22 October 2024