31.12.2014
Fleur Strong, the director of the charity, told the BBC that a “significant” number of families are currently trying to come to terms with a child being sexual exploited.
She told the Today programme: "I can show you families from Torquay to Exeter to Norfolk, there are families in Edinburgh, Belfast, all of them who will be suffering from this type of crime that lasts for many families for years and years.
"I would say that without doubt there are thousands of families being affected today. This type of child abuse is in every town."
Her comments come after a number of high-profile reports into sexual exploitation in towns and cities across Britain, such as Rotherham, Bradford and Rochdale were revealed.
The charity believes that police officers are now better placed to deal with allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, as it has become a prominent issue, however it noted that better training needs to be provided so officers can spot the early-warning signs of abuse.
Charity Claims Further Training Required For Front-Line Officers
Children’s charity Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (Pace) has claimed that thousands of children are being groomed in Britain, with incidents taking place in “every town”.Fleur Strong, the director of the charity, told the BBC that a “significant” number of families are currently trying to come to terms with a child being sexual exploited.
She told the Today programme: "I can show you families from Torquay to Exeter to Norfolk, there are families in Edinburgh, Belfast, all of them who will be suffering from this type of crime that lasts for many families for years and years.
"I would say that without doubt there are thousands of families being affected today. This type of child abuse is in every town."
Her comments come after a number of high-profile reports into sexual exploitation in towns and cities across Britain, such as Rotherham, Bradford and Rochdale were revealed.
The charity believes that police officers are now better placed to deal with allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, as it has become a prominent issue, however it noted that better training needs to be provided so officers can spot the early-warning signs of abuse.
Expert Opinion
The widespread nature of sexual exploitation and abuse being uncovered in Britain is extremely troubling and it is absolutely imperative steps are taken to improve the way investigations are handled and the support offered to at-risk children. <br/> <br/>“It is vital survivors of abuse or those in danger of being exploited feel comfortable and confident to come forward and make themselves known to police and support services. <br/> <br/>“In our work we have seen the physical and psychological impact sexual exploitation can have on young people, which may continue to affect them into their adult life. It is crucial the identification of young people at risk of sexual exploitation is improved and access is provided to the services and assistance they require.” Tracey Storey - Partner
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