Joint initiative to tackle child sexual exploitation

The PSNI and Barnardo’s NI have launched a joint initiative to tackle child sexual exploitation in South and East Belfast.

In a jointly funded pilot project a Barnardo’s worker will be based in Willowfield Police Station east Belfast, to work alongside the PSNI Public Protection Unit. The Barnardo’s worker will provide early intervention for young people who are reported to the PSNI as going missing or where there are other concerns or indications of sexual exploitation.

It is the first time a joint approach has been introduced in Northern Ireland and it is jointly funded by Barnardo’s NI and the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme.

Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin from Barnardo’s NI said, “Child sexual exploitation is a very harmful and very hidden problem. It is the exploitation of young males and females for sex below the age of consent by predatory adults. Recent research by Barnardo’s NI has shown that young girls in care are particularly vulnerable.”

“This joint initiative with the PSNI will help us reach young people who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation at a much earlier stage. By having our worker based in the police station we will be able to take action and support our colleagues in the PSNI as soon as there are reports of any concerns around a young person indicating sexual exploitation.”

Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland said, “The protection of children and vulnerable adults is a core police function. PSNI are pleased to announce that money seized from criminals under the Assets Recovery Incentivisation Scheme is helping fund this innovative initiative. As over 50% of victims of sexual offences in 2011 were under 18 years of age, it was critically important that we reviewed the service being provided to these young people to ensure their needs were being met.”

“We believe that by developing a closer working relationship with Barnardo’s, that this will help to provide the best possible support to victims. We have developed an information sharing protocol agreement to assist in the process of delivering effective, early interventions and timely referrals to other necessary partner agencies.”

“Earlier interventions can also assist in identifying exploitative adults at an earlier stage, while reducing the number of missing episodes, which in turn affords greater protection to children.”