CSE
SPOT THE SIGNS:
CSE can happen to any child or young person of any gender, from any background. It doesn’t just happen to older children, and it can start really easily. Here are some things to look out for if you’re worried about someone;
- Experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol
- Having increased health/sexual health related problems
- Older ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’ or relationship with a controlling adult
- Having money, mobile phones, sim cards, credit, clothes or other items without plausible explanation and not given by parents/carers
- Volatile/criminal behaviour
- Getting into cars with unknown adults
- Regularly coming coming home late or going missing overnight or longer
- ‘Sexting’ (sending sexually explicit messages/photographs, generally via mobile)
- Being secretive or withdrawn
- Becoming disruptive at home or school or using offensive language
“We all play a role in keeping people safe, and it’s important for everyone to know the signs with regards to Child Sexual Exploitation. National CSE Awareness Day is a good opportunity for everyone to unite against this terrible crime and share information, good practice and increase awareness in Kirklees, West Yorkshire and indeed nationally. As a Safeguarding Children Board in Kirklees we will continue to work proactively with the Adults Board and Community Safety Partnership to help safeguard children, young people and young adults.”
Sheila Lock, Independent Chair of the Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board.
What to do if you are worried about a child?
If you think a child in Kirklees is being abused or mistreated or you have concerns about a child’s well-being you should call and speak to someone at one of the following numbers:
- Duty & Advice team
01484 456848 - Kirklees Emergency Duty Service
01484 414933 (outside office hours)
More information on the Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB) website.