Fight begins to stop child sexual exploitation in Sussex

Everyone is being asked to play a role in trying to stamp out CSE with the message - ‘say something if you see something’.

The plea coincides with Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day, which begins on Wednesday (March 18).

The national event has been organised to encourage everyone to think, spot and speak out about abuse and adopt zero tolerance towards adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.

CSE is a form of abuse which involves the manipulation or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity. It can involve swapping sexual favours for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other presents.

Sometimes it may involve having sex for money with several adults.

Peter Evans, county council cabinet member for children – start of life, said: “A young person may feel they must have sex because an adult gives them something or because they feel threatened or frightened.

“Often a young person may want to have sex because they think the person is their boyfriend or girlfriend. They may not see that they are being used or manipulated.

“The sad truth is that any child anywhere can be sexually exploited regardless of culture, ethnicity, religion or gender.

“It’s everyone’s business to raise awareness of this and make sure everything possible is done to stop it happening.”

Some of the signs to look out for in young people could be:

• Staying out overnight.

• Being missing from home or skipping school.