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19/03/2015
Met Launches New Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Initiative
The Metropolitan Police have launched a new London-wide initiative calling on local businesses' to help identify victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE).
Operation Makesafe, launched on Wednesday 18 March to mark National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day, seeks to educate people working in these trades, who encounter young people, of the CSE warning signs.
Following the launch, taxi drivers, hoteliers and those working in licensed premises will be provided with bespoke CSE-awareness training by specially trained officers, showing them scenarios which should raise concerns and what action to take if they suspect a child is at risk.
Individuals will be encouraged to report any concerns via a dedicated hotline being staffed by specially trained police call-handlers to ensure a swift and appropriate response.
Businesses are also being encouraged to take a proactive role and implement measures to prevent their premises being used for CSE.
Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime and today is an opportunity for us to share our experience and knowledge to raise awareness within a vital group - those who witness all manner of scenarios on a daily basis.
"We all have a responsibility to keep children and young people safe from harm. Getting the local business sector on board will help us prevent and detect child sexual exploitation, and safeguard those at risk.
"Operation Makesafe has already had a positive impact during its pilot phase. Our work in this area and understanding of the issue is much improved in recent times, but we cannot tackle this issue alone. We need the public to tell us if they suspect child sexual exploitation. They could provide us with the opportunity to intervene before any harm occurs."
(MH/CD)
Operation Makesafe, launched on Wednesday 18 March to mark National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day, seeks to educate people working in these trades, who encounter young people, of the CSE warning signs.
Following the launch, taxi drivers, hoteliers and those working in licensed premises will be provided with bespoke CSE-awareness training by specially trained officers, showing them scenarios which should raise concerns and what action to take if they suspect a child is at risk.
Individuals will be encouraged to report any concerns via a dedicated hotline being staffed by specially trained police call-handlers to ensure a swift and appropriate response.
Businesses are also being encouraged to take a proactive role and implement measures to prevent their premises being used for CSE.
Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime and today is an opportunity for us to share our experience and knowledge to raise awareness within a vital group - those who witness all manner of scenarios on a daily basis.
"We all have a responsibility to keep children and young people safe from harm. Getting the local business sector on board will help us prevent and detect child sexual exploitation, and safeguard those at risk.
"Operation Makesafe has already had a positive impact during its pilot phase. Our work in this area and understanding of the issue is much improved in recent times, but we cannot tackle this issue alone. We need the public to tell us if they suspect child sexual exploitation. They could provide us with the opportunity to intervene before any harm occurs."
(MH/CD)
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29 June 2011
'Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight' Report Highlights On Street Grooming
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09 May 2012
Nine Men Convicted Of Child Exploitation Ring
Nine men will be sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court after being found guilty of child sexual exploitation. The men, from Rochdale and Oldham, were found guilty of operating a child sexual exploitation ring involving vulnerable teenage girls as young as 13. Offences included rape and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child.
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Eleven Arrested In Child Sexual Exploitation Crackdown
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24 May 2013
Rochdale Council Apologises Over Child Sex Abuse Cases
An independent report into Rochdale Council's response to issues around child sexual exploitation has been published today. The report follows an independent review of the council’s internal processes and procedures.
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An independent report into Rochdale Council's response to issues around child sexual exploitation has been published today. The report follows an independent review of the council’s internal processes and procedures.
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