Get to #KnowTheSigns of child sexual exploitation

Residents and business owners in Staffordshire are being encouraged to get to know the signs of grooming and child sexual exploitation (CSE), as part of our #KnowTheSignsCampaign

Running from today (Monday 23 September) to Sunday 6 October, the aim of the campaign is to spread awareness of CSE by educating parents, businesses and the wider community about what to look out for and to encourage reporting.

CSE is child abuse and involves perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways. This can be in person or online to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually abusing them.

Such exploitation can take many forms, with a young person often receiving things in return. These can be physical items such as drugs, money, or gifts (often clothing or expensive trainers), or can be emotional needs such as protection and affection following the abuse.

As part of our work to tackle this, our child exploitation team and specially trained officers and staff across the force will be working with hotel staff across the county to help them spot the signs of CSE in their workplace.

Training involves employees learning how to identify any vulnerable young person at risk and how to report potential CSE in the most effective way.

Detective Chief Inspector Amy Martin, force lead for child exploitation, said: “We are committed to tackling CSE and making the county a hostile environment for those who seek to sexually exploit children.

“Our #KnowTheSigns campaign drives home the message that we all have our a part to play in tackling it. CSE can be difficult to spot and is it sometimes mistaken for ‘normal’ teenage behaviour.

“However, if something does look out of place then please contact the police so we can help protect children and young people from harm, and show offenders that they cannot hide in our community."

Signs of a child or young person being a victim of CSE can vary. Some examples are:

• Being withdrawn and sudden changes in their personality
• Going missing regularly
• Having unexplained money, new clothing and expensive items
• Sexual health concerns/indications of sexual activity
• Concerning or inappropriate relationships and new older friendship groups
• Recruiting others into exploitative situations
• Poor mental health.

Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call us on 101, or use the Live Chat function on our website. In an emergency always call 999.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.