Child Sexual Exploitation Campaign Goes Live

Child Sexual Exploitation Campaign Goes Live

“THE MORE YOU KNOW THE MORE YOU SEE” 

A Safeguarding Board public awareness campaign to tackle the issue of Child Sexual Exploitation in NI has begun. The campaign The More You Know, The More You See aims to increase public awareness around this form of child sexual abuse by targeting members of the public, including key groups, who may have the opportunity to recognise Child Sexual Exploitation and take action if they have concerns. 

Helen McKenzie, Professional Officer leading on Child Sexual Exploitation said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s business so the Safeguarding Board have developed this campaign, The More You Know, the More You See to raise public awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). This is a form of child sexual abuse which sees children and young people manipulated or forced by their abuser into taking part in some form of sexual activity in return for something the young person needs or wants, for example affection, alcohol, drugs, accommodation.

"Child Sexual Exploitation can happen to any young person regardless of social or ethnic background. We are encouraging the public to read the information available on our literature or our safeguarding website www.safertoknow.info. Many sources of information and support are available."

A second phase of the campaign is to be rolled out later in the year which will specifically target children and young people as well as parents and carers. This phase will be influenced by engagement with young people and parenting groups which has already taken place over the past few months.

Helen continued: “I am delighted with the response so far from our member agencies and partners, particularly in the private sector. They have shown a great willingness to get involved in getting our message out to the public.”

ENDS

Notes to the editor

Notes to editors

What is the Safeguarding Board?

The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) was established in 2012 and is the key organisation for ensuring that children and young people in NI are kept safe.

What is Child Sexual Exploitation?

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse in which a young person is manipulated or forced into taking part in some form of sexual activity in return for something the young person needs or desires. There are a number of different forms in which CSE can present itself; these can range from internet sexual exploitation, sexual exploitation at house parties and the movement of young people for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The young person might think that their abuser is their friend or girl/boyfriend but the abuser is likely to be violent and /or abusive to get the young person to do what they want for them. They will control and manipulate the young person and try to isolate them from friends and family.

The More You Know The More You see - Campaign Phases

Phase 1 (June 2014 onwards) has a key target audience of the general public and specific groups in the community who may have the opportunity to identify CSE, i.e. taxi drivers; hotel staff and B&B operators; off licence staff and leisure staff. The campaign messages are being taken forward through outdoor advertising, distribution of posters, leaflets, cards, and window stickers to GPs, Pharmacists, Taxi companies, off-licences, and leisure services.

A series of local workshops, taking out the campaign messages, will take place across Northern Ireland involving the local Safeguarding Panels and Police and Community Strategic Partnerships.

Phase II of the campaign will be more directly targeted at parents and young people. This is scheduled for late 2014/early 2015. Engagement with young people and parents on this phase is concluding and will inform further campaign development.

Who to contact if you’re concerned about CSE:

If a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999 or contact the Police on 101. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the NSPCC adult helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Other organisations:

Barnardo’s NI Safe Choices 028 9065 8511

Social Services Gateway Teams

Belfast HSC Trust: 028 9050 7000

South Eastern HSC Trust: 0300 1000 300

Northern HSC Trust: 0300 1234 333

Southern HSC Trust: 0800 7837 745

Western HSC Trust: 028 71314090