Businesses and Communities
 

We all have a responsibility to protect children from child sexual expoitation​


 

You can play a vital part in protecting young people by knowing the signs of sexual exploitation and what to do with any information you have. This will help to:
  • Protect children
  • Build Safer communities

Organisations who work with young people need to be prepared:

  • Young people are advised to tell a trusted adult, a member of your organisation could be that adult. Make sure you know what to do if a young person confides in you.
  • A member or your organisation could be an abuser. Know what to do is you are worried.

What can I do?

  • Understand how abusers could try and exploit your business or service
  • Learn what child sexual exploitation is
  • Be vigilant and recognise the signs
  • Know where to go for information and how to report it

Licensed premises

  • If your business operates under a licence, your license is at risk if you do not take action to protect children.
  • The law states that licence holders and supervisors have to make sure that children are protected from physical, psychological and moral harm at their premises.
  • Premises allowing in under-18's also need to have systems in place to safeguard children and young people. You must prove that you have used 'due dilligence' to manage the risk of exploitation in your venue. 

 

Abusers often make use of certain businesses and premises when carrying out sexual exploitation. For example, they: 




 


 

 

 

If you spot any of these signs, report it to the police. The worst thing you can do is nothing.

 

If you have any information, please contact the police by:

  • Dialing 101
  • Remember, if there is immediate danger or in an emergency always 999.
  • E-mailing our Customer Service Desk customerservicedesk@durham.pnn.police.uk detailing the information you wish to share.

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