Commuters Urged To Play Their Part In Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation

Monday, 31 October 2016 14:31

Passengers in Greater Manchester are being urged to look around as they travel and stay alert to anyone who may be at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation as part of a large week of action.

Greater Manchester Police have joined forces with British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, Barnardo’s, the Children’s Society, Survivors Manchester, the NHS and local authorities to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation, particularly among those who use public transport or work within the transport industry.

Young people that have been groomed online often use public transport to travel and meet offenders and during the week police and partner agencies will be speaking to commuters about the signs they can look out for.

Signs of exploitation may include a child or young person accompanying an older person who does not appear to be a relative or carer, or a younger person who looks anxious, distressed or upset.
People with concerns are being urged to report them to police, or alert transport staff.

The week of action is the latest from the ‘It’s Not Okay’ campaign and will see staff hosting a series of events throughout the week at transport hubs, schools and within the community to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation.

In addition, transport staff will receive training so that they can play their part in removing exploitation from the streets.

Enforcement work will also take place, with officers patrolling hotspot areas to deter and disrupt offenders.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson from Greater Manchester Police said: “We all have a role to play in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation and as part of our week of action, we’re appealing to the public to take a look around as they travel and report anything that doesn’t look right or causes concern.”

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