Charity warns of huge increase in children who are victims of CSE

Barnardo’s warns of 169 per cent rise in the number of victims and those at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

There has been a massive rise in the number of children who are being sexually exploited, Barnardo’s has warned.

There has been a 169 per cent increase in the number of young people who have been exploited or are at risk of exploitation, the children’s charity has said. During 2014-15 the charity worked with 3,200 vulnerable children compared to 1,190 in 2010.

The charity has opened 11 new services in the last year alone to cope with increasing demand for services.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan says: “High profile child sexual exploitation cases across the UK have raised people’s awareness about sexual exploitation and what it is. This has led to better identification of victims and those at risk but everywhere we go we find more young people needing our services.

“We all need to be aware any child can become a victim of this horrific form of abuse, regardless of where they live or their background. Barnardo’s will always strive to help protect these vulnerable children,” he added.

Last week, Children First reported how an overhaul in the way professionals help young people who have been exploited is needed, according to an expert in CSE Craig Barlow.

“Rather than pushing or waiting for a disclosure from the child and working back from that point, professionals need to take the vulnerable child who could be at risk of CSE, look at what information is available on the child and potential perpetrator already, ascertain any additional information needed and put measures in place to try and protect the child and ‘disrupt’ the offender,” said Barlow.

Barnardo’s adds that additional expert workers are needed to cope with the surge of girls and boys, some aged as young as 10 years old, who are referred to the charity for support.

The charity has launched an urgent appeal for £500,000 in public donations to give sexually exploited children the vital support they need. Extra funds will also enable Barnardo’s to continue raising public awareness in schools and communities about sexual exploitation and preventing this horrific form of abuse.

To find out more about the appeal and CSE go to the Barnardo’s website

 

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