Extra support offered to North East teens at risk of sexual exploitation
A new website has been launched today in a bid to keep more young people in County Durham and Darlington safe.
Young people across County Durham and Darlington at risk of child sexual exploitation will receive additional support to help keep them safe.
A new website has been launched today by ERASE, a multi-agency team made up of police officers, social workers and youth workers.
It'll act as a source of help and information for children who think they are being exploited, as well as a resource for parents and the wider community.
ERASE, which stands for Educate and Raise Awareness of Sexual Exploitation, work closely with schools and the NHS to spot signs of abuse.
They also focus on missing children, as being reported missing can be an indicator that a child is at risk of sexual exploitation.
Jane Geraghty, Chair of Durham Local Safeguarding Children Board said: "Child Sexual Exploitation is child abuse.
"It can have a damaging and long-lasting impact on children, as well as their families.
"Victims of sexual exploitation are often reluctant to report their abuse or do not recognise that they are being abused.
"This makes it important for all of us to be eyes and ears in our communities."
Rachel* frequently went missing from home, sometimes overnight, and has praised the ERASE team and the new website.
She said: "At one stage, I hated it when the police came looking for me and I didn't realise the danger I was in.
"Now I know the police are real people and they and my social worker genuinely cared for me.
"I want any young person to know they can call the police or speak to another adult like a teacher, they can really help you."
You can access the new website HERE.