Published: Friday, 3rd March 2017
Cannock Chase Council is supporting a national charity - NWG Network who asks all to unite against child sexual exploitation for their National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day on 18 March 2017.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.
The National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding child sexual exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.
Previous National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Days have seen hundreds of events take place across the UK, ranging from poster and leaflet displays to whole authorities embarking on targeted campaigns across public services and shopping centres.
Working with over 11,000 professionals across the UK to help prevent and raise awareness of child sexual exploitation, NWG Network continue to leverage the strength of that network in order to tackle the problem head on.
Sheila Taylor, CEO of NWG Network said: “The National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day offers an opportunity for focus, for education and for discussion across society. In light of recent news reports it is timely that the 2017 National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day falls on a Saturday, not only will this enable the public campaigning in shopping centre and public areas to reach a larger audience but it will also enable police forces, organisations and projects to focus on the issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse in sports, an opportunity to target the large audiences at football matches and other sporting events taking place over the weekend period and offer safeguarding messages to be delivered to weekend sports activities for children and young people. Together we can create more positive outcomes for so many vulnerable young people.”
Carl Bennett, Cabinet Leader for Crime and Partnerships, said: "It`s great to see the Council supporting this national awareness raising event. The impact of child sexual exploitation on the young people affected is huge. By getting involved in this campaign, we are highlighting the issues associated with this problem as well as encouraging people to report any concerns they may have as quickly as possible.
"If you would like to seek help and advice or have concerns about a young person call Staffordshire Police on 101 and you will be transferred to an appropriately trained officer".
On 18 March 2017 NWG Network call for all to unite against child sexual exploitation. Show your support by writing a personal pledge and posting to your social media with the hashtag #HelpingHands to help them raise awareness of CSE. NWG are committed to the fight against child sexual exploitation and supporting victims and their families who are subjected to this abuse. But they cannot succeed without the support of people like you. Visit www.stop-cse.org to find out more about the National Awareness Raising Day and putting a stop to CSE.
Join the Thunderclap which last year had a social reach of over 2 million! http://thndr.me/pZY3HH
Help NWG Network to continue to tackle abuse and give victims of CSE a bigger voice. Donate just £3 by texting VOICE to 70007. (* T’s & C’S apply)
Follow The NWG Network on Facebook and Twitter for further information.