Submitted by crinadmin on
Today Barnardo's has published the first long term study of its work with children who have been exploited for sex or groomed for abuse through prostitution. The study, the first of its kind in the UK, found that the young people Barnardo's helped had often been abused and neglected, but that intensive support could reduce their risk of being sexually exploited and help them achieve positive changes in their lives. The charity has identified a number of risk factors associated with sexual exploitation including: poor relationships with parents or carers, disengagement from education, going missing, and a lack of awareness of rights and risks. Through regular risk assessments the charity has been able to monitor the progress of a sample of the children it works with. Barnardo’s projects spend £1.6 million from voluntary income on sexually exploited children. Yet demand is not met. Provision of specialist services is patchy, and getting help therefore depends more on geographical location than on need. Barnardo’s projects spend £1.6 million from voluntary income on sexually exploited children. Yet demand is not met. Provision of specialist services is patchy, and getting help therefore depends more on geographical location than on need. Martin Narey, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s said: Barnardo’s is calling for:
‘This is difficult but worthwhile work. We now know we can help children and young people escape from sexual exploitation by adults. But we know there are many children, in many towns and cities, who are not helped. The Government has prioritised protective and preventative work with children in the Prostitution Strategy for England and Wales, announced in January this year. We want to see the investment to make it a reality. Barnardo’s will continue to spend a substantial part of our own money in this area but we cannot do it alone.’
pdf: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/reducing_the_risk_report.pdf