What this consultation is about
The issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE) is an important national and local issue. Our Improvement and Scrutiny Committee (People) decided in July 2015 to carry out a review to look at how we're working to deter child sexual exploitation.
Understanding the awareness of people regarding CSE and what organisations are doing to help those vulnerable is vital to ensure Members can effectively challenge and support the CSE services provided.
What is CSE?
CSE is the abuse of children and young people up to the age of 18, particularly where the young person is being manipulated, coerced or forced into engaging in sexual activity. As a form of manipulation and control, the young person may receive gifts, affection, drugs, alcohol or attention from their abuser. Commonly, the young person may believe they are in a loving, consensual relationship, when in fact they are being exploited.
What is online grooming?
Grooming is when someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse or exploitation. Children and young people can be groomed online or in the real world, by a stranger or by someone they know - for example a family member, friend or professional. Groomers may be male or female. They could be any age. Many children and young people don't understand that they have been groomed, or that what has happened is abuse.
How will the scrutiny committee find out about the authority is working together to tackle CSE?
Members of the Improvement and Scrutiny Committee (People) have met with various local organisations and representatives from the authority to hear how they are working to tackle CSE. The Committee also wants to hear from other people so you can tell us how well you think these organisations are working together. The questionnaires have been designed to seek the views of different people:
- parents, carers and guardians of young people
- groups and organisations
Members of the Improvement and Scrutiny Committee (People) will also be meeting with children and young people to hear their views.
How will the information I provide be used?
Individuals completing this questionnaire will not be asked to provide your name or contact details – this questionnaire is anonymous. If you are completing the questionnaire on behalf of an organisation you can name the organisation. Any personal details given in any response that could identify any individual will not be shared unless you disclose that someone is at risk of serious harm. Some of the information you provide in your response may be quoted in the report but it will not identify you or anyone else.
Reporting concerns
All children and young people have the right to live in safety, without emotional cruelty, neglect, violence or sexual abuse. If you are worried about a child, please tell us your concerns so that we can help.
This consultation is now closed. A report was presented to Cabinet, 14 June 2016, agenda item number five.