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Theatre Production Commissioned For Bradford Schools Results In Abuse Reports

Tuesday, 16 February 2016 11:22

A theatre production which highlights the risks and realities of child sexual exploitation has received rave reviews from students and teachers as well as resulting in a number of young people coming forward to report abuse.

'Somebody's Sister, Somebody's Daughter' was one of a number of awareness-raising initiatives commissioned by Bradford Council as part of a district-wide multi-agency strategy to prevent and tackle child sexual exploition (CSE).

According to figures from theatre group GW Theatre, there have been 48 performances to Year 10 (aged 14-15-year-olds) students in schools and community venues across the district, meaning 6,267 people have seen the play.

A total of 920 students completed a questionnaire, before the play 58 per cent of the students knew what was meant by sexual exploitation but when asked afterwards 100 per cent felt they understood the term.

The play also resulted in 12 young people coming forward to either disclose they had been victims of CSE, ask for help and support or express concern about themselves or others.

Feedback from Bradford schools described the production as "powerful", "perfectly pitched for our students", "excellent" and "of a high quality".

The Council's Executive agreed in September 2015 to commission a number of preventative initiatives around CSE using one-off funding of £250K. Others included work with Barnardos to raise awareness amongst boys and work by PACE (Parents against Child Exploitation) to support parents of children experiencing or at risk of CSE.

Supt Vince Firth, of Bradford District Police, said: "We are always looking for innovative ways to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and how to report it. It is encouraging that a number of young people have come forward either to report potential offences to us or to seek support or advice following these theatre productions. This is a great example of partnership working towards our ultimate aim of keeping children safe."

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