Dramatic rise in child exploitation cases across Derbyshire this year

A Derbyshire charity aims to spread a message of hope this Christmas after a dramatic increase in cases of child exploitation this year.
Incidents of child exploitation in Derbyshire have increased by 41 per cent this year.Incidents of child exploitation in Derbyshire have increased by 41 per cent this year.
Incidents of child exploitation in Derbyshire have increased by 41 per cent this year.

Safe and Sound has launched various initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers facing local young people and reassure local families that support is available during their darkest times.

The charity has seen a dramatic rise this year in the number of children and young people who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation.

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This includes cases of online grooming, sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation.

Safe and Sound chief executive Tracy Harrison said: “We have launched our Christmas campaign in light of the 41 per cent increase in our caseload this year including a significant increase in online grooming.

“This is largely due to the increased amount of time that young people have spent online to overcome the isolation and curtailed social interaction they experienced during lockdown.

“Although Christmas should be a time of hope and joy – for these and many more young people it can be a stark reminder of lost innocence and natural mistrust of adults because of how they have been targeted and manipulated by criminals both online and in person.

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“Furthermore, within our local communities many more young people and their families will be facing a very different Christmas this year – separated from loved ones and with continued financial uncertainty which increases their vulnerability to exploitation.

“Although the dangers of child exploitation are more present than ever, we wanted to send out a clear message of hope as we approach the end of such a turbulent year for everyone.

“As well as raising awareness of the dangers of exploitation, I want this campaign to reassure families that they can take positive steps to protect children and that help is available to turn negatives into positives and bring light at the end of a dark tunnel.”

For more information about Safe and Sound, the Christmas campaign and ways to support the charity, visit www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk.

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