THE CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) has received national recognition.
See me, Hear me received a Bronze Award at the Public Sector Excellence awards for its 2016/17 campaign.
Led by Dudley Council on behalf of seven West Midlands councils and West Midlands Police, See me, Hear me raises awareness of CSE across the region.
It highlights warning signs and encourages people of all ages to visit the campaign website to find out more.
Delivered in three phases, animations were delivered through digital media, targeting websites, gaming applications and a range of other digital platforms and social media used by target audiences.
This was supported by posters at Birmingham New Street Station, the NEC and on the M6 digital towers as well as a week of on-the-ground activity.
Nick Page, Regional CSE lead and Chief Executive of Solihull Council, said: “It’s great this campaign has been recognised nationally for the impact it’s having and the number of people it’s reaching with such important awareness messages around CSE.
“CSE is a horrendous crime, which affects both young men and women.
“Partners are working together to identify and disrupt offenders but 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.
“Our see me hear me campaign provides a wealth of information about CSE and the warning signs to look out for, as well as signposting people to help and support.”
The website, www.seeme-hearme.org.uk, is a one-stop shop for information about CSE and how to spot the warning signs, along with help and advice for young people, parents and carers, professionals and schools.
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 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.
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.
