A day dedicated to raising awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) saw officers from Kent Police deliver workshops to children and adults all over the county.
CSE is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.
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The Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day 2024 campaign on Monday 18 March 2024 aimed to highlight the issues surrounding CSE; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children developing inappropriate relationships with other children.
The officers and staff from the Child Centred Policing Team and Violence Reduction Unit delivered a workshop to more than 150 people involved in the education and safeguarding of children, ensuring they have the knowledge on how to safeguard and prevent children potentially becoming victims.
Officers also attended schools in Gravesend and Meopham, talking to students about county lines, gangs and grooming. More than 300 pupils were spoken to ensuring they are well equipped to spot the signs of these types of offences and giving them the confidence to speak up if it’s happening to them or people around them.
Sergeant Glen Rickersey from the Child Centred Policing Team said:
‘All of our workshops were well received.
‘It is of the upmost importance that we deal directly with the route causes of these crimes and give children the confidence and tools to be able to help themselves and their friends if they are finding that they are becoming victims of these types of offences, as well as ensuring that professionals know where to turn to for advice and guidance.’
More information about CSE can be found here – Digital Sexual exploitation (Sexploitation) | Kent Police