Police statistics revealed today show that children who repeatedly go missing are at strong risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE).
A week of action starts in Salford and Manchester today, Monday 14 March, to raise awareness of the links between CSE and missing children.
In 2014, 4,266 children went missing in Greater Manchester.
95% of young people at risk of CSE have been missing at least once, say Greater Manchester Police.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “Going missing can mean bunking off school, staying out overnight, or running away from home for a few days or longer.
“The statistics speak for themselves – there is a clear correlation between young people at risk of child sexual exploitation and their inclination to run away or go missing.
“More often than not, the young people who do run away do so regularly. This not only places a significant strain on policing but also increases the chances of that person coming to harm.”
According to the figures, 43 children went missing more than 100 times in 2014.
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Child sexual exploitation is child sex abuse, plain and simple. We must come down heavily on those who exploit and manipulate vulnerable children for their own sexual pleasure, and arm our young people with the means to keep safe and recognise unhealthy, abusive relationships.”
Paul Maher, Greater Manchester Area Manager at The Children’s Society, which works with children and young people who go missing or are at risk of going missing, said the charity’s own research shows that around a quarter of missing children are either hurt or harmed in some way.
“Children and young people who go missing are among the most vulnerable children in our society,” he said.
“Some may be running from neglect and abuse, family breakdown or drug and alcohol misuse by their parents – while others go missing under the influence of predatory adults seeking to exploit them.
“Whatever the reason for them going missing, we know these children are at particular risk of being sexually exploited or falling victim to other types of harm.
“That is why it is vital they receive more support at an early stage to help address the issues that cause them to go missing and protect them from the risks of sexual exploitation or becoming a victim of other crimes.”
The week of activity is the latest from Project Phoenix’s ‘It’s Not Okay’ campaign, and will be publicising resources and support related to child sexual exploitation.
‘It’s Not Okay’ was created as part of Project Phoenix, a multi-agency collaboration launched in September 2014 to tackle child sexual exploitation.
Visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk to find out more.
