Harrow Council have teamed up with police in support of National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day today.

The initiative, which encourages people to speak out about sexual crimes against children, is also supported by the WISH Centre and NWG Network who help victims and their families.

The aim is to highlight issues such as grooming so they can be prosecuted against and stamped out.

Councillor Christine Robson, lead member for young people and schools, said: “Child sexual exploitation is an abhorrent, hidden crime and many young people can be too scared to talk to anyone about it.

“However, if anyone has any concerns about the welfare of a child or young person, we would encourage you to report it anonymously to the police or other relevant organisations.”

Inspector Tanya Sprunks from Harrow Neighbourhoods added: “The police are in full support of child sexual exploitation national awareness day and all Harrow schools will be briefed on the key signs of child sexual exploitation by specialist police officers.”

The WISH Centre will run a social media campaign to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation in Harrow using @thewishcentre #HarrowStopsCSE #HelpingHands and #CSEDay19

Rowena Jaber, director at the WISH Centre said: “The WISH Centre supports young people who have experienced sexual abuse, neglect or violence, amongst other issues and we wholly support this national campaign, which is all about encouraging people to spot the signs of abuse and contact the police immediately.”

http://www.stop-cse.org/national-child-exploitation-awareness-day/