Police back #HelpingHands campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation

Northumbria Police is backing a national campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation. Credit: Northumbria Police

Northumbria Police is backing a national campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird is leading the force's efforts to stamp out all forms of CSE by supporting the #HelpingHands campaign.

CSE is described by police as a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

As part of National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day the world is being asked to unite against the issue.

Working under the campaign title #HelpingHands and #Thunderclap people have been asked to write a pledge on their hands and show their support for the day by posting a picture of it on social media.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird DBE QC, said:

Supt Steve Barron of the force's Safeguarding department said:

Northumbria Police works closely with the charity Bright Futures which is also taking part in the National CSE Awaresness Day.

A spokesperson from Bright Futures said: