Burnley event to raise awareness of sexual exploitation (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley event to raise awareness of sexual exploitation

12:00pm Friday 26th February 2010 in

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THE mother of a child who was sexually exploited will speak at a public awareness event in Burnley next week.

Members of the Freedom Team at Pennine Police have launched a campaign to open people’s eyes to the problem in East Lancashire.

Any child who has been coerced into sexual activity for drugs, alcohol, accommodation or money is classed as having been sexually exploited.

The specialist multi-agency team who work to protect and safeguard local youngsters will give an account of how they target perpetrators in the area whilst encouraging victims to take advantage of the support availablle.

A victim’s mother will throw the spotlight on the reality of child sexual exploitation at the event.

Sergeant Mick Cross from the Freedom Team said: “Child sexual exploitation is not an issue unique to Pennine Division but what probably is different in this division is the approach we take to tackle it.

“We take a holistic approach working with a wide range of partner agencies, first and foremost to identify children at risk and prevent them from becoming victims, and secondly, to ensure that where exploitation is taking place, a robust investigation is done and a comprehensive package of support is offered to the victim and their families.

“This event is about building on this success and I hope that by increasing awareness of the work being done.

“By illustrating the help available to victims we can reassure people the issue is being addressed and ensure that any one who is a victim feels confident in coming forward.”

The mother, who was once a victim of sexual exploitation herself, will discuss the contrast between the help that is available for victims in East Lancashire now, compared to what it once was.

The event will be held at the Town Hall in Burnley on Monday at noon.