The regional See Me, Hear Me campaign is encouraging adults to make themselves aware of how grooming can develop - and of the key warning signs to help safeguard youngsters from this hidden crime.
CSE can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, social or ethnic background. It is child abuse and can involve perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways, such as in person, via mobiles or online, to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually abusing.
Warning signs can include persistently going missing or playing truant at school, having friends who are older or being in secretive relationships with unknown adults, suffering chronic fatigue, receiving constant calls on a mobile phone and being in possession of money or new things.
It can take place in many forms, whether through a seemingly consensual relationship, or a young person being forced to have sex in return for some kind of payment, such as drugs, money, gifts or even protection and affection.
Information about the warning signs is available at the campaign website Type=links;Linkid=3771;Title=See me, hear me;Target=_blank;, a one stop shop for information about CSE and how to spot the warning signs. It also provides help and advice for young people, parents and carers, professionals and schools.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We all have our part to play in protecting our children and young from this horrific abuse.
"More and more people are becoming aware of this hidden crime, but it's vitally important everyone knows the warning signs so they are able to recognise concerns and take action.
"I would urge all young people, parents, carers and teachers to visit the See Me, Hear Me website to find out more and see what they can do to help protect our children and young people."
For more information about child sexual exploitation, please visit Type=links;Linkid=3771;Title=See me, hear me;Target=_blank;. Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call West Midlands Police on 101, speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or in an emergency call 999. Childline also have counsellors available at Type=links;Linkid=3772;Title=Childline;Target=_blank;.
- released: Thursday 1 February, 2018