People can sign up for the latest campaign news and updates from a regional partnership raising awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) via its new look website.

The See Me Hear Me campaign Type=links;Linkid=3771;Title=website;Target=_blank; is a one stop shop for information about CSE and how to spot the warning signs, and offers help and advice for young people, parents and carers, professionals and schools.

People can now sign up to receive updates on the latest campaign news following a refresh of the site, which is now also optimised for mobile and tablet devices.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "The See Me Hear Me campaign provides a wealth of information about CSE and the warning signs people need to be looking out for, as well as signposting people to the help and support which is available out there.

"CSE is a horrendous crime, which affects both young men and women and preventing CSE is everyone's responsibility. By being vigilant and knowing the warning signs to look out for, we can all help to tackle this abuse and keep our children safe.

"This latest development will enable you to sign up to receive all the latest news and updates from the campaign."

CSE is child abuse and involves perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways, such as in person, via mobiles or online, to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually abusing them.

It can take 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.

Warning signs can include having friends who are older, persistently going missing, secretive relationships with unknown adults, truancy from school, chronic fatigue, constant calls on a mobile phone and the possession of money or new things.

Councils across the West Midlands, including the City of Wolverhampton Council, are working with West Midlands Police to raise awareness of CSE through the See Me Hear Me campaign. To find out more, please visit Type=links;Linkid=3771;Title=See Me, Hear Me;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Wednesday 11 October, 2017