Child sexual exploitation campaign goes live in NI

A Safeguarding Board public awareness campaign to tackle the issue of Child Sexual Exploitation in Northern Ireland has begun.

The campaign ‘The More You Know, The More You See’ aims to increase public awareness around this form of child sexual abuse by targeting members of the public, including key groups, who may have the opportunity to recognise Child Sexual Exploitation and take action if they have concerns.

Helen McKenzie, Professional Officer leading on Child Sexual Exploitation said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s business so the Safeguarding Board have developed this campaign, The More You Know, the More You See to raise public awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). This is a form of child sexual abuse which sees children and young people manipulated or forced by their abuser into taking part in some form of sexual activity in return for something the young person needs or wants, for example affection, alcohol, drugs, accommodation.

“Child Sexual Exploitation can happen to any young person regardless of social or ethnic background. We are encouraging the public to read the information available on our literature or our safeguarding website www.safertoknow.info. Many sources of information and support are available.”

A second phase of the campaign is to be rolled out later in the year which will specifically target children and young people as well as parents and carers. This phase will be influenced by engagement with young people and parenting groups which has already taken place over the past few months.

Helen continued: “I am delighted with the response so far from our member agencies and partners, particularly in the private sector. They have shown a great willingness to get involved in getting our message out to the public.”