Children’s Society launch public appeal to help spot child exploitation in Newcastle

The Children’s Society has asked North East residents to keep an eye out for child exploitation in their public appeal launch
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A charity has launched a public appeal to help spot child exploitation in the North East.

Children’s Society warned that “thousands of children and young people” every year were subjected to horrific exploitation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In Newcastle 2020/21, child sexual exploitation was identified as a risk in 135 assessments of children referred to social services.

According to further research from the Children’s Society, children going missing was a factor in 123 instances.

The charity is asking members of the public to keep an eye out for the telltale signsThe charity is asking members of the public to keep an eye out for the telltale signs
The charity is asking members of the public to keep an eye out for the telltale signs

Gang involvement was also highlighted in 168 assessments, while 47 instances of trafficking were deemed to be a factor, both are marked as indicators of exploitation.

The charity has since launched the #LookCloser campaign, which sis supported by the National Police Chiefs Council and forces including the British Transport Police.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They are urging professionals, parents, members of the public and businesses to be vigilant for signs of child exploitation and abuse.

Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said: “This winter, the cost of living crisis and financial pressures facing families may leave some children particularly vulnerable to grooming by perpetrators who offer them cash, food and gifts.

“Young victims may also be targeted with offers of drugs, friendship, love, status and even gaming credits.”

Signs of exploitation could include children having large amounts of cash or unexplained gifts, appearing under the control of others, looking lost or travelling alone at night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The charity continued by saying that children may seem upset, anxious or scared but trauma can make them appear angry or aggressive also.

Anyone worried about a child should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.