National Child Exploitation Awareness Day Highlighted by Police

Warning Signs Many People Miss: Child Exploitation Risks

Today, Wednesday 18th March, marks National Child Exploitation Awareness Day, a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers facing vulnerable children and encouraging people to recognise and report signs of exploitation.

Held annually on 18th March, the day calls on the public to question what they see and hear, think about the risks children face, and speak out against abuse. It promotes a zero-tolerance approach to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.

Information about the different forms of child exploitation, including sexual and criminal exploitation, along with case studies and resources to support the campaign, can be found on the NWG Network website. The organisation has also produced downloadable posters highlighting how to report concerns and where to find further information.

Police Urge Public To Trust Their Instincts

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Devonshire from Devon & Cornwall Police said:

“Devon & Cornwall Police supports this day of awareness. Protecting vulnerable children who are being criminally exploited remains at the heart of our work.

“We ask that people trust their instincts and question what they see and hear and if they think a child is being exploited, to let us know so that we can protect the child and bring the criminal exploiters to justice. Parents, carers, and professionals for instance in the hotel or transport trades, can all be on the look out for the signs of exploitation.

“Any sudden or unexpected change in the lifestyle or behaviour of a child you know could be because of criminal exploitation, and there are behaviours in other children that you may see.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez also urged people to understand the warning signs and report concerns.

“We all have a duty to protect children from any form of exploitation and from the devasting impact it can have on their lives and those closest to them.

“I would urge not just parents but carers, professionals and neighbours to familiarise themselves with the signs of child exploitation so that we can try and safeguard vulnerable children when they need it the most, and to report any information to the police.”

Signs That May Indicate Exploitation

Devon & Cornwall Police say there are a number of indicators which could suggest a child is being exploited. These include:

• Displaying aggressive or violent behaviour

• Frequently going missing from home or school and being found away from their usual area

• Travelling alone or in the company of adults

• Having unexplained money, clothes, jewellery, gadgets or mobile phones

• Possessing multiple mobile phones or receiving lots of calls and messages

• Drug or alcohol use

• Possession of hotel key cards or keys

• Theft or shoplifting

• Relationships with older people

• Unexplained injuries

• Carrying weapons

• Distancing themselves from friends or their usual social circle

• Declining school performance

• Self-harm

• Changes in wellbeing or emotional state such as becoming withdrawn, fearful or isolated

• Using unfamiliar language or terminology

• New peer groups or relationships with unknown associates

More information about spotting the signs of exploitation and how to report concerns can be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

Anyone worried about a vulnerable child is encouraged to contact police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through its secure online form.