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Child Sexual Exploitation - CSE the Signs Campaign

Published: Friday, 05 March 2021

South Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee is supporting the Scottish Government’s CSEthesigns campaign

South Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee is supporting the Scottish Government’s CSEthesigns campaign which is running over the next 3 weeks to raise awareness of what child sexual exploitation (CSE) is, improve public understanding and empower those with concerns to act upon them.

We want all children and young people in Scotland to grow up in a safe environment and to be protected from harm. CSE is a form of child sexual abuse and is happening to young people in Scotland today. Research has also shown that for many parents CSE is most commonly associated with the most vulnerable young people in society, in particular vulnerable girls, and with organised forms of abuse such as trafficking and gangs. The reality is CSE can happen to any young person of any gender and family background. It can take place online and in the real world and can involve a one on one situation between an offender and a young person as well as organised networks and groups. We are all spending more time online for learning, working and socialising during the pandemic. This means that we are all at increased risk of harms that can occur online. The more parents and carers are aware about the dangers of child sexual exploitation – including the ways in which it can happen, who it can affect and the behavioural warning signs that could indicate a child is at risk of abuse or already being affected – the more that can be done to protect young people.

Child sexual exploitation is happening to girls and boys across Scotland

• It takes many forms and can happen online as well as offline

• It can take place on a one to one basis between a victim and an offender as well as in organised groups

• It can happen to young people from secure, loving homes as well as more vulnerable young people such as those in care

• We all have a role to play in helping to keep young people in Scotland safe

For further information, advice and support for children, young people, parents and or carers please visit CSEThesigns

#CSEthesigns