Local MP working with local businesses to prevent child sexual exploitation

The Children’s Society and The NWG Network have developed the ‘Say Something if you See Something’ campaign pack to help support businesses and local groups in tackling and preventing child grooming, sexual exploitation and child trafficking.

Recent high-profile cases of child sexual exploitation have involved children being groomed, exploited in hotels, restaurants and other commercial premises. The Children’s Commissioner’s inquiry on child sexual exploitation in groups and gangs last year identified hotels, bed and breakfasts, shops and food outlets as key locations in which abuse takes place.

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Moor View, has written to Plymouth City Council Children’s Services, and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making them aware of this "fantastic" tool kit which includes posters, leaflets and training materials for staff which will enable employees to recognise signs of exploitation, grooming and trafficking and provide information about what to do if they are concerned about a child.

Alison Seabeck said: “In Plymouth, as a tourist destination we have an above average number of the type of premises we know can be used by groups intent on committing these evil crimes. I want to ensure that everyone in those businesses is made aware of what can, and is, happening elsewhere. We don’t want to see Plymouth’s name linked to these awful crimes.

“The point of the campaign is that we don’t turn a blind eye when we see something suspicious or concerning, we 'Say Something if we See Something'. We all have a duty to make sure we protect the most vulnerable in society - our children. The key message to young people – if you hear about this sort of activity, don’t go!”

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of the Children Society, said: “Preventing child sexual exploitation is everybody’s business, not just the police or social workers. It is important to work with the hospitality industry, so that their employees are confident in recognising the signs of exploitation and can help keep vulnerable children safe”