National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day

HOTELS, care homes, and taxi companies are key in the fight against child sexual exploitation, council officers claim.

As part of National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day last week (March 15) Redbridge Council enforcement and housing officers visited 50 businesses across the borough thought to play a key role in spotting signs of such crimes.

They believe staff at businesses like care homes, hotels, and mini cab offices are fundamental in tackling child sex crimes as they are “more likely to come into contact with children at risk of exploitation”.

Staff were given advice and leaflets about how to spot and report any suspected abuse.

Redbridge’s local safeguarding children’s board also set up stands in The Exchange shopping centre and Youth Bus in Ilford town centre on Friday (March 17) to raise awareness among young people and their parents.

Redbridge cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Elaine Norman is urging everyone in the borough to be vigilant when it comes to child sex crime.

She said: “Child sexual exploitation is incredibly complex as in many cases, the person often doesn’t even realise they’re a victim.

“The long lasting effects on the person’s life however, can be devastating.

“It’s up to all of us to help protect these vulnerable young people.

“You can do this by making sure you’re aware of the signs, and acting when you think something isn’t right, so that action can be taken as early as possible.“

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Comment: Would have to laugh, if it was not so serious. "Taxi Companies can spot Child Sexual exploitation" The problem is PRIVATE HIRE COMPANIES in GREATER MANCHESTER, have most of the Offenders.

PROOF = FREEDOM INFORMATION REPLY FROM GMP. DATED OCTOBER 2016.