National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day takes place annually on 18th March. The day aims “to highlight the issues surrounding CSE, encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children developing inappropriate relationships with other children.”

CSE is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under 18 and can take place online and/or in person.

Throughout the week of 13th-18th March Sutton Council and voluntary and community sector partners will be working in partnership to raise awareness of CSE and signpost young people and parents and carers to advice and support.

Safety is one of the three key priorities identified at Sutton's Youth Summit. To support this work the Young Commissioners have designed a social media campaign to take place on their Instagram page to highlight the issue of CSE, to spot the signs and provide information and advice and support for young people.

To better understand the experiences of parents and carers and young people and how partner organisations can help provide support and advice there are two surveys that can be completed: one for parents and carers and one for young people.

Young commissioner Ela said:

 ‘’CSE week is so important because, to stop child sexual exploitation, as many people as possible need to be aware of the signs. Awareness is how we make sure that no child goes unnoticed and without help.’’

To find out more about CSE please visit Stop CE

If you are a young person and need support and advice please visit Childline or call them on 0800 1111

If you are concerned about a child or young person please contact Child First Contact Service