'Child exploitation is happening in Sussex' - How wearing red today can support victims of child sexual abuse

Children are being sexually abused in Sussex by organised criminal gangs and human traffickers.
Detective Chief Inspector David Springett's words come as the UK marks National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness DayDetective Chief Inspector David Springett's words come as the UK marks National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day
Detective Chief Inspector David Springett's words come as the UK marks National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day

That is what a senior police officer has said today as the UK marks National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day.

Detective Chief Inspector David Springett said: "Child exploitation is happening in Sussex. Exploitation is more than sexual.

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"It can include criminal exploitation, county lines, trafficking and modern slavery and involves an individual taking advantage of the age and vulnerability of children for their own benefit."

Officers and staff from across Sussex Police will support the #HelpingHands campaign by writing messages of support on their hands and posting photos on their social media accountsOfficers and staff from across Sussex Police will support the #HelpingHands campaign by writing messages of support on their hands and posting photos on their social media accounts
Officers and staff from across Sussex Police will support the #HelpingHands campaign by writing messages of support on their hands and posting photos on their social media accounts

County lines is a brutal tactic used by big city drug gangs to sell drugs in coastal towns, typically forcing children into helping them.

"Unfortunately, children often do not recognise the negative relationship they are having with an individual or group; seeing them as a friend, support, the only people they can turn to.

"Seeking help or reporting it to the police is therefore not on their radar.

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“This is why we are raising awareness of CSE today and encouraging the public to familiarise themselves with the warning signs."

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They will also be writing messages of support on their hands and posting photos on their social media accounts.

DCI Springett added: "Being aware of it is the first step towards putting a stop to it. If something doesn’t look or feel right, you can report it to Sussex Police or Crimestoppers”.

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting victims and their families who are subject to child exploitation.

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"In just the last year, I have funded four specialist support services who work to tackle exploitation at its early stages; educate young people and their families/carers to spot the signs of grooming; and counsel victims of childhood sexual abuse.

“I pledge to continue to take this issue seriously and support local initiatives that are working to stamp it out.

"We must continue as a society to speak out against this abuse so that victims know they are not alone and perpetrators understand that it will never be tolerated.”

More advice and information about child sexual exploitation can be found on the Sussex Police website.