Local people worried about the incidence of child sexual exploitation can learn more at two special free training sessions later this month.
Richmondshire District Council, Safer Richmondshire, NYSCB and Barnardo’s are supporting the work of the National Charity, NWG Network, by hosting the sessions as part of the charity’s second National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day. The training will help people understand what Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is, identify the signs of CSE and learn what to do if they spot them.
CSE is a form of sexual abuse – it involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.
The sessions will be delivered by qualified and experienced staff from Barnardo’s and are aimed at anyone who may come into contact with children and young people within the community. That includes people running takeaway restaurants, taxi firms, museums, sports clubs, pubs, clubs, hotels, buses and shops as well as professionals working with children and young people in the area – leisure centres, schools, health professionals and the community and voluntary sector.
Iryna Pona of the Children’s Society Policy Team that launched the ‘Say Something if you See Something’ campaign states that: “Sexual exploitation of children is an abhorrent and despicable crime. It is also often an invisible crime that many would not be able to spot or feel confident reporting.
“It is also a crime we don’t believe happens where we live or where we go for holidays ornentertainment. But recent cases of child sexual exploitation in Oxford, Rochdale and Torbay and elsewhere show, this is something that happens all over the country.
“To help local businesses – including hotels, takeaways, taxis and leisure centres – to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation and be more confident about reporting these.’’
The free sessions takes place on Monday 21st March at 1:30pm or 3pm. Places must be booked in advance – prior to 16th March – by contacting Jo-Anne Simpson at jo-anne.simpson@richmondshire.gov.uk