Barnardo’s receives £3m to help Rotherham sex abuse victims

A charity has received £3.1 million to tackle child sex abuse in Rotherham.

Barnardo’s said it would use the sum to hire 15 specialists to help victims and those at risk of child sex exploitation.

Last year the Jay Report estimated that 1,400 children had been sexually exploited in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

Funded by the Government, Rotherham Council and the KPMG Foundation, the three-year programme will look to raise awareness about the crime, by working closely with schools and the local communities.

Professionals will also be trained to enable them to spot the signs of sexual exploitation early.

Javed Khan (pictured), chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “We are intent on tackling this horrendous crime and supporting victims as they try to rebuild their shattered lives.

“This partnership signals a new era as far as confronting child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

“Barnardo’s is really proud to be a part of the team that will contribute to eradicating this horrific crime.”

He added: “We must all be alert to spotting the signs that sexual exploitation may be taking place. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect those children who are most vulnerable from ruthless predators.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is currently investigating how South Yorkshire Police officers dealt with cases in Rotherham and the National Crime Agency has begun a major investigation into allegations of child sexual exploitation in the town.

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