A CAMPAIGN to encourage people to speak out to put a stop to child sexual exploitation (CSE) has received the backing of councils across the county. 

The initiative launched by Cheshire Constabulary aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE and how to spot this type of abuse. 

Detective chief superintendent Nigel Wenham, head of Cheshire Police’s public protection directorate, said: “We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities. 

“Every day we continue to work hard to protect children and to ensure the appropriate advice, support and safeguarding is in place for them. 

“It is important to remember there is never one type of victim or offender and that CSE can happen to anyone. 

“The impact this type of crime can have on a child is absolutely devastating and can have a long lasting and significant effect on all those involved.”

Warrington Borough Council has also thrown its full support behind the campaign which was launched on Saturday.

Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services, said: “CSE is a harrowing, and often hidden, crime which has a devastating impact on children and young people, their families, and society. 

“Protecting children and ensuring that victims are put at the heart of everything we do is a top priority for Warrington Borough Council and we work closely with the police and our partner organisations to raise awareness, support victims, bring offenders to justice and make our communities safer. 

“Safeguarding children is everyone’s business and I urge you to show your support for this campaign, be alert, and help raise awareness. 

“If we work together we can prevent the sexual exploitation of young people.” 

Police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “In Cheshire we are committed to supporting and taking a stand against CSE to protect children who are most vulnerable in our communities. 

“National awareness days are powerful ways of standing together to highlight the issues surrounding CSE and encouraging people to come forward to seek help and support. 

“CSE needs to be treated as business as usual with regular assertive action taken against those who offend and to keep our young people safe from harm. I think it’s vital we work together to protect children and young people.”