Police and charity team up in bid to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation

A programme to protect young people against child sexual exploitation (CSE) has been launched by police and a charity.

Police Scotland and Barnardo's in Aberdeen and Dundee have developed a pilot project which will run in both cities for two years.

It hopes to reach, protect and support children and young people who are at risk of sexual exploitation in the local areas.

Advisers from the charity's reducing the impact of sexual exploitation (RISE) service will support police officers by improving support to children under the age of 18.

They will also assist in identifying and disrupting perpetrators and exploitation networks, and protecting current and potential victims by bringing together intelligence.

The launch of the new services and programme, funded by Barnardo's Scotland, Police Scotland and Comic Relief, was held on Wednesday.

Peter Nield, assistant director of Barnardo's Scotland, said sharing skills, knowledge and intelligence would provide a co-ordinated response to CSE across Aberdeen and Dundee.

He said: “CSE advisers are located in Police Scotland headquarters in Aberdeen and Dundee, supporting frontline officers and other key agencies providing a co-ordinated response to child sexual exploitation.

“Having CSE advisers located within police divisions and embedded within local child protection arrangements will help ensure that the right systems and supports are in place which identify and respond to child sexual exploitation and improve outcomes for vulnerable and at-risk children and young people”.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cowie said: “Children across Scotland are being groomed by sexual predators for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

“We also know that children may not realise that they are being exploited.

“By taking this proactive, multi-agency approach, Barnardo's and Police Scotland aim to reduce risk and ensure the right support is in place to prevent children becoming victims of people who seek to exploit them for sex.

“CSE is often hidden, with perpetrators using violence, coercion and intimidation to exert power over children. Children may not realise they are being exploited or may be too afraid to ask for help.

“We need to recognise the signs, listen to young people and take action against perpetrators.