Warwickshire agencies unite for Child Exploitation Awareness Day
Campaign aims to help public recognise signs of child exploitation
Warwickshire agencies are joining forces for Child Exploitation Awareness Day on 18th March, with various activities planned to help the public identify and report signs of exploitation.
Partner organisations including Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, Barnardo’s, and others are working together to enhance awareness across the region.
The campaign highlights different forms of exploitation, such as child financial and criminal exploitation, online threats including awareness of "The Com," child sexual exploitation, and manipulative tactics like offering vapes for grooming.
Throughout the week commencing 16th March, local communities will engage in activities to better understand how exploitation occurs, both online and offline.
This initiative encourages residents to pledge towards ending child exploitation by learning warning signs and reporting concerns.
Schools and youth groups are involved, focusing on peer-to-peer exploitation, online risks, warning indicators like school absence, and the effects on mental health.
Professionals can access free training throughout the week, with details available online.
Everyone is invited to learn the signs, report concerns, share messages of support on social media with hashtags like #CEADay26, and amplify communications shared by agencies.
Potential signs of exploitation include receiving unexpected gifts, association with older individuals, mood swings, and secrecy.
Warwickshire remains dedicated to ensuring children's safety, urging the community to act against exploitation.
Help is available through resources like www.somethingsnotright.co.uk , Family Connect, Warwickshire Police, Crimestoppers, ChildLine, and NSPCC, among others.
Councillor George Finch of Warwickshire County Council emphasized community involvement, stating, "Greater understanding is key to ending the exploitation of children and young people."
Councillor Dale Bridgewater highlighted the campaign's relevance to broader issues, urging people to report concerns.
Detective Supt Charlie Naughton of Warwickshire Police encouraged vigilance during the awareness week, with information pivotal to safeguarding vulnerable children.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe reinforced the importance of understanding exploitation, urging residents to participate in the campaign and report if something feels wrong.
Warwickshire's collaborative effort is a crucial step towards preventing child exploitation and ensuring community safety.