Child Sexual Exploitation
The Force's 'Know the Signs' campaign aims to advise everyone across West Yorkshire of the typical signs of child sexual exploitation and what they should do if they know a young person who might be a victim.
The campaign is supported by Safeguarding Boards across the five districts of West Yorkshire and takes the form of impactive posters and advice cards, social networking messages and a hard-hitting radio advert.
Please see below for the campaign materials / downloads / audio files / video.
Radio Advert on AudioBoo
Child Sexual Exploitation - Know The Signs - The Campaign
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of child sexual abuse. It is the organised and deliberate exploitation of a child purely for the sexual gratification of adults.
Any young person could become a victim of child sexual exploitation; the crime affects both girls and boys, from any background and of any ethnicity.
- Inappropriate relationships – this usually involves one perpetrator who has inappropriate power or control over a young person. There is often a significant age gap and the victim may believe they are in a loving relationship.
- ‘Boyfriend’ model – the perpetrator befriends and grooms the young person into a ‘relationship’ and then convinces or forces them to have sex with friends or associates. This is sometimes associated with gang activity.
- Organised sexual exploitation – young people are passed through networks where they are forced into sexual activity with multiple men. This often occurs at ‘sex parties’ and the young people may be used to recruit others into the network.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) can also take place over the internet for advice on how to remain safe online read on information page
Know the Signs
Even something that seems like normal teenage behaviour could be a sign that a child is being sexually exploited.
- Regularly missing from home or school and staying out all night
- Change in behaviour – becoming aggressive and disruptive or quiet and withdrawn.
- Unexplained gifts or new possessions such as clothes, jewellery, mobile phones or money that can’t be accounted for.
- Increase in mobile phone use or secretive use
- Appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Being picked up or dropped off in cars by unknown adults
- A significantly older ‘boyfriend’ or ‘friend’ or lots of new friends
- Spending excessive amount of time online and becoming increasingly secretive about time spent online
- Sudden involvement in criminal behaviour or increased offending
- Sexual health problems
If you have any concerns that a child you know may be a victim of Child Sexual Exploitation report it to West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency or if a crime is ongoing always dial 999.
Deaf, hard of hearing or speech imparied people can use textphone 18001 101.
Police Safeguarding Units
Other charities and agencies that can help:
Information for children, adults or teachers on staying safe on the internet
Barnardo’s – Cut them free campaign.
Yorkshire MESMAC – BLAST!
Project works with men and boys involved in or at risk of becoming involved in sexual exploitation, aged 25 and under and living in Leeds or Bradford.
National Helpline for male victims of sexual exploitation - 07808 863 662
The Children’s Society in Keighley and Bradford
The Hand in Hand Project
Supporting young people involved in child sexual exploitation or who are vulnerable to grooming.
Working with young people who are involved or vulnerable to CSE and who go missing from home
Kevin Robinson 07827322821
The Children’s Society in Calderdale
The Safe Hands Project
Supporting young people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation across the Calderdale district.
Tel: 01422 430 495
Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day - Wednesday 18th March 2015
West Yorkshire Police took part in the first national CSE Awareness Day in March. Senior officers urged residents to not let offenders get away with the crime and to look out for the signs that a young person could be a victim. Read more.
CSE Awareness Day Video - Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster
Students Act To Tackle Child Sexual Exploitation
Performing Arts students from Airedale Academy in Castleford use their acting skills to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation.
West Yorkshire Police have worked alongside them to create videos revealing a victim’s perspective.
Monday 30th September 2013
"We thought she was going out with friends, but her attitude changed, her appearance started to change and she constantly had her mobile phone in her hand."
Just one of the anonymous accounts from a hard hitting video released today, featuring local parents whose children have been victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE)
It forms part of the ongoing West Yorkshire Police campaign entitled ‘Know the Signs’ which highlights the various indicators of the crime.
The Force has worked in partnership with local charity (Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation) Pace to record their experiences and raise awareness of the issues.
Friday 27th September 2013
YouTube Video - "We went from a happy, easy going family, to absolute torment"
Parents talk about Child Sexual Exploitation - a sneak preview of a new video.
Video produced in partnership with Pace - Parents against child sexual exploitation http://www.paceuk.info/
Wednesday 3rd July 2013
YouTube Video - Know The Signs
View our Snapguide - How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online - A Parents Guide
YouTube Video - Know The Signs