Independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a campaign in West Yorkshire to help the public recognise that the offenders of child sexual exploitation may not fit into any stereotype, but could be anyone.
It follows the recent national Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day.
Crimestoppers is highlighting how these perpetrators work, be that individually or as a group. They may also fit into certain ‘categories’ of offender; The Hook, The Predator, The Coordinator.
These offenders often display a level of control with a child or young person, as part of the grooming process or when committing criminal acts. They will try to control through violence, intimidation, persuasion or aggression. It often begins by befriending young people, who do not see themselves of victims of a crime.
Gemma Gibbs, Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager, Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “For too long this issue has been something of a taboo. Child sexual exploitation has a terrible effect on the victims and the abusers are often skilled at covering their tracks and hiding their grooming behavior.
“Our campaign is aimed at urging the public to be aware and tell us, 100% anonymously, if you have any suspicions. It might be that the perpetrator is a neighbour, a colleague, or a family friend, and that is putting you off from speaking up. With Crimestoppers, our charity guarantees that no one will ever know you contacted us. Speak up and help protect children and young people.”
The National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day 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 improper relationships with other children.
Crimestoppers charity has worked in partnership with West Yorkshire Police since March 2016, holding a conference for professionals to better understand these issues. The latest phase of this campaign is now reaching out to the public to encourage reporting potential perpetrators of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
A range of information about Child Sexual Exploitation is available and can be found online at
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on
0800 555 111 or through the non-traceable Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
