AN executive board member at Warrington Borough Council has called for people to show their support for National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day.

The day, which takes place on Monday, will see the council joining partners around the region to highlight the issues around CSE and promote a zero-tolerance attitude to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.

Councillor Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services, said: “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.

“We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities.

“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.”

The campaign, that also promotes no tolerance of children developing inappropriate relationships with other children, will centre around encouraging people to think, spot and speak out against abuse.

Any child can be sexually exploited, regardless of their culture, ethnicity, religion or gender.

The council are committed to the fight against CSE and supporting victims and their families, but state they cannot succeed without the help of communities.

For more information about CSE and how to combat the issue, you can visit knowandsee.co.uk.