THURSDAY, 4 FEBRUARY, 2016

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CAMPAIGN IMAGES ATTACHED

NHS Tayside supports national campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation

NHS Tayside is supporting the first TV campaign in the UK to tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE).

The campaign comes as new research shows 93% of parents have heard of child sexual exploitation but almost a third (29%) know little about it and over a third (36%) believe it won’t affect their family.

In 2014/15 ChildLine in Scotland provided 635 counselling sessions to children and young people worried about child sexual exploitation, with the NSPCC responding to 62 enquiries from adults in Scotland in the same period. However, experts feel these figures may be the tip of the iceberg.

A new national TV advert highlights how to spot the warning signs of this form of abuse and shows how conversations online can potentially lead to a young person placing themselves in danger.

The campaign is aimed at parents and young people aged 11-17, highlighting the message that child sexual exploitation can happen to any young person, regardless of their gender or background.

A range of partners are supporting the campaign, including Barnardo’s Scotland, NSPCC Scotland, ChildLine, Police Scotland and Children 1^st.

NHS Tayside executive lead for sexual health and blood borne virus Ann Eriksen said, “Child sexual exploitation is a complex form of abuse in which victims are manipulated, pressurised or forced into taking part in a sexual act in exchange for receiving something - this may include gifts, money, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, or simply affection. It’s often a hidden crime where the child may not understand that they are a victim and so may not come forward to ask for help.

“This research shows that most parents don’t know a lot about the ways in which child sexual exploitation can take place and don’t believe that their family is at risk. The reality is child sexual exploitation takes many different forms, both online and offline, and can affect any young person regardless of their gender or background.

“Parents and carers can play an important role in helping to keep young people in Scotland safe by making sure they are familiar with the signs of abuse that could indicate a child is at risk of abuse or already being affected.

“NHS Tayside welcomes and supports this important awareness raising campaign from the Scottish Government and would urge anyone who has questions or concerns about CSE to visit the website www.csethesigns.scot where advice and support is available.”

Information on local services, advice and support for young people aged 12-20 can also be accessed through NHS Tayside’s ‘Cool 2 Talk’ website at www.cool2talk.org. The website gives young people the opportunity to post confidential questions to a trained health professional, who can provide them with advice and where to access support. There is also a one-to-one online chat service with a counsellor available through the site.

Notes to Editors:

Child sexual exploitation involves a young person under the age of 18 being manipulated, forced, pressurised or coerced into taking part in a sexual act in exchange for something.

A new website - www.csethesigns.scot - provides information and advice on how to spot the warning signs and symptoms, common myths, practical advice for staying safe online and offline and tips for parents on how to have a conversation with their child about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

The research published by YouGov looked at people’s understanding and knowledge of child sexual exploitation in Scotland. It was carried out during 14-20 August and a total of 501 interviews with parents of children aged 11-17 living in Scotland were conducted.

The Scottish Government pledged to develop an awareness raising campaign in the National Action Plan to Tackle Child Sexual Exploitation, published in November 2014.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134