You can improve lives when you report concerns about child sexual exploitation

Report concerns

Alternatively you can ring Family Connect on 01952 385385 (option 1) or email familyconnect@telford.gov.uk.

Keeping children and young people safe is the most important thing we do

That's why we continue to develop our services to meet the needs of children and young people who are victims of child sexual exploitation, and to focus on preventing child sexual exploitation from happening now and in the future.

Whilst we are committed to doing our best, we know we need to work with others to make sure we keep children and young people safe.

Seen something? Say something is a campaign calling on the community across Telford and Wrekin to help us protect children and young people.

What you can do:

• recognise how to spot the signs and symptoms that child sexual exploitation may be taking place;
• know when, where and how to report any concerns;
• take action if something feels wrong.

What is child sexual exploitation?

It is never a child's fault that or if they are sexually exploited. It is important to make sure children know this.

Child sexual exploitation (also known as CSE) is a type of modern slavery when a male or female under 18 is sexually exploited for the benefit or gain of someone else.

The benefit or gain can come in many forms such as increased social status or financial gain. Some victims are also trafficked for the purpose of exploitation.

Multiple tactics are used to exploit the child such as 'grooming' which is when the victim is given something, such as food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts or money in return for performing sexual activities or having sexual activities performed on them. Other methods may include violence, bullying and intimidation, with threats of physical harm or humiliation.

Abusers are increasingly using the internet to target vulnerable children. It can happen across any device that's connected to the web, like computers, consoles, tablets, mobile phones and smart speakers.

Children can be at risk of online abuse from people they know or from strangers. It might be part of other abuse which is taking place of line, like bullying or grooming.

Child sexual exploitation can take many different forms. It doesn’t discriminate and every child is vulnerable.

Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, report your concerns.

If you are worried about a child or young person you must report it!