National Child Exploitation Awareness Day: Police urge public to ‘trust instincts’

Today marks National Child Exploitation Awareness Day, an annual campaign highlighting the dangers of child exploitation and encouraging the public to take action.

The day, led by the NWG Network, aims to raise awareness of the many forms exploitation can take – including both sexual and criminal – while promoting a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate relationships involving children.

Extensive guidance, case studies and downloadable resources are available through the campaign’s website, helping individuals and organisations better understand how to identify and respond to concerns.

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Devonshire said: “Devon & Cornwall Police supports this day of awareness. Protecting vulnerable children who are being criminally exploited remains at the heart of our work.

“We ask that people trust their instincts and question what they see and hear and if they think a child is being exploited, to let us know so that we can protect the child and bring the criminal exploiters to justice. Parents, carers, and professionals for instance in the hotel or transport trades, can all be on the look out for the signs of exploitation.

“Any sudden or unexpected change in the lifestyle or behaviour of a child you know could be because of criminal exploitation, and there are behaviours in other children that you may see.”

Devon and Cornwall Police say common warning signs can include children going missing from home or school, unexplained money or possessions, sudden behavioural changes, or becoming involved with older individuals or new peer groups.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez added: “We all have a duty to protect children from any form of exploitation and from the devasting impact it can have on their lives and those closest to them.

“I would urge not just parents but carers, professionals and neighbours to familiarise themselves with the signs of child exploitation so that we can try and safeguard vulnerable children when they need it the most, and to report any information to the police.”

Anyone with information about or who has concerns about a vulnerable child should report it to the police. You can do this online at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/  or by using the non-emergency 101 number.  You should always call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can pass information 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or by using its untraceable online form here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/