Police and partners continue to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation

Cheshire Police and its partners are continuing to spread the word to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation.The next stage of an ongoing campaign launches this week and will focus on raising awareness amongst hotel staff and taxi drivers − of the key signs and behaviours associated with victims of CSE.Hotels across the county have been sent awareness packs containing a variety of material for use within each site − this includes one poster aimed at cleaners and maintenance staff and another poster aimed at reception staff. These contain important information on what staff should look out for in terms of young people visiting a hotel.

There is also a desk calendar, small stickers and a leaflet explaining what their obligations are as business owners.

Detective Superintendent Nigel Wenham, from Cheshire Police′s Strategic Public Protection Unit, said: “This latest phase of the campaign is focusing on those who work at hotels across Cheshire − these are the sorts of people who may well come across victims or potential victims in their day-to-day work and it is vital that they know what to look out for.

“The aim of the packs are to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to familiarise themselves with the possible signs and general behaviour seen in young people who are being sexually exploited as well as understanding the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or concerns – no matter how small.

“We are urging all hotels across the county to support the campaign and to use this material wherever they can.”

Other similar packs are also being distributed to taxi drivers across Cheshire – via the four local authorities – reinforcing the message.

This will be accompanied by adverts on buses and taxis on key routes across Cheshire − highlighting the campaign.

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I take the matter of Child Sexual Exploitation very seriously and have made it a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. I recently called together leaders from all of the organisations who have a role to play in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation and will be holding the Constabulary to account for the progress they make. I am delighted to see this campaign being developed and have provided funds to make sure it happens.”

The campaign was first launched in November 2013 and aims to provide a greater understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation − and the issues surrounding it.

Work has already been carried out as part of the campaign to raise awareness amongst young people about Child Sexual Exploitation, explain what it is and offer advice and support to victims, potential victims and their family and friends.

Information packs have been distributed to every secondary school in the county containing key information and advice for teachers and those working with young people on the signs and behaviours associated with CSE.

The campaign is supported by a website – www.knowandsee.co.uk – packed with information and advice about the issue.

Detective Superintendent Wenham added: “Child Sexual Exploitation is an issue that Cheshire Police and its partners take extremely seriously.

“We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and everyone involved continues to work hard to tackle the issue − to ensure the appropriate advice, support and safeguarding is in place for victims and potential victims.

“It is important to remember that there is not one type of victim or offender − Child Sexual Exploitation can happen to anyone. The impact of this type of crime is devastating and it can have long lasting and significant effects on all those involved.”

If you are concerned that someone you know may be at risk of child sexual exploitation please contact Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

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