Internal trafficking of UK children to London for sexual exploitation during the Olympics is a very real concern, say children’s charity Barnardo’s.
Child sexual exploitation can involve a broad range of activity from seemingly ‘consensual’ relationships or informal exchanges of sex for attention, accommodation, gifts or cigarettes through to very serious organised crime.
Barnardo’s South West London child Sexual Exploitation Service Manager Jane Coppock said: “Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue and is occurring in town’s and cities across the UK.
“Vulnerable and defenceless girls and boys, who crave love and attention, are groomed and then abused in the most callous and calculated way, leaving them deeply traumatised and emotionally scarred for life.”
The service is a year old this month and has worked with 48 young people vulnerable to sexual exploitation in South West London.
The Project Workers have also supported parents whose children are being exploited.
The service is a joint project between Barnardo’s and South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. It also works in partnership with child-focused agencies including children’s social care, police, health sector, youth offending services and other voluntary sector projects.
Ms Coppock said all the agencies involved have collaborated well with each other to ensure their interventions are as effective as possible.
The service has also undertaken awareness raising work with 170 professionals from different agencies in South West London.
Across the UK last year Barnardo’s worked with almost 1,200 young people through their 21 specialist sexual exploitation support services.
Due to the hidden nature of the abuse it is suspected that the numbers of victims are far higher.
Ms Coppock said: “This abuse has always been secretive, but it is becoming more sophisticated, in particular with abusers using modern technology such as mobile phones and the internet which makes it harder to get to grips with.”
Everyone is urged to be vigilant during the Olympics with particular emphasis being placed on those in the hospitality industry.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Anne Marie Carrie said: “We know from the work that we do on the ground with children that the risk of boys and girls being trafficked and sexually exploited during major events is a real threat.”
Last month Barnardo’s and the Local Government Association released a new report focusing on the good practice undertaken by local authorities, safeguarding children’s boards and police.
It uses this to recommend effective ways of working with young people who are at risk of being sexually exploited as well as those who are already caught up in this form of abuse.
Cheryl Coppell, Chair of the London Safeguarding Children Board, said: “The task of protecting children from sexual exploitation can seem daunting at times, but this guidance shows that with enthusiasm and creativity it is possible to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.”
Barnardo’s South West London Sexual Exploitation Service will go into its second year continuing the work it is doing to identify and reach out to young people at risk of sexual exploitation in the local area.
Ms Coppock said: “At the very least we can equip young people with the tools they need to stay safe, so it sits at the back of their conscience to help protect them.”
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of a child or young person please telephone the police on 999 or contact the nearest police station.
For further information about Barnardo’s work in this field please go to www.barnardos.org.uk/cutthemfree
Picture courtesy of Ray Forster, with thanks
