Peterborough police back Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day

Cambridgeshire Constabulary is lending its support to the NWG Network National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day on March 18.
Chief Constable Alec WoodChief Constable Alec Wood
Chief Constable Alec Wood

Officers and staff across the force, including Chief Constable Alec Wood, wrote individual pledges on their hands including, ‘you deserve better‘, and, ‘we’re here’, to back the campaign.

The day aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE, encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children and children forming inappropriate sexual relationships with their peers.

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The awareness day falls during a month long campaign by Cambridgeshire Constabulary to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child abuse in which the victim is given something in exchange for sexual activity with the abuser.

Detective Sergeant Kath McCready from the Child Sexual Exploitation Team said: “CSE remains a priority for the force and we are pleased to support this national awareness day. By joining with the NWG Network and local partner agencies, we can raise awareness of child sexual exploitation nationwide and reach a network of friends, family and social groups.”

An ongoing campaign of work targets CSE in Peterborough. The Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Peterborough City Council and other key agencies work together to raise awareness of the signs of CSE, supported by the Peterborough Safeguarding Boards.

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They run workshops with schools, youth services, health services and major voluntary sector organisations including the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, to raise awareness of CSE.

They also work with business owners and hotels to help them recognise possible Child Sexual Exploitation and report their concerns.

Chair of the Peterborough Safeguarding Boards, Russell Wate said: “It is the responsibility of everyone working with young people to be aware of Child Sexual Exploitation, to recognise the warning signs and to know what to do when they are worried about the safety of a young person. The Peterborough Safeguarding Boards ensure that all key agencies, including the council and the police, are doing everything they can to raise awareness of CSE and help to keep children and young people safe.’

Anyone who would like to access information or training on child sexual exploitation should visit www.peterboroughlscb.org.uk or get in contact with the board on either 01733 863744 or [email protected]

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To support NWG Network National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day, share your pledge, which can be anything from speaking out to educating others and upload it to social media using the hashtag #HelpingHands.