Today we’re asking you to sign a pledge to help us eradicate child abuse and sexual exploitation from our communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and in Rutland.
The initiative is part of a major multi-agency campaign which was launched at a special event at Leicester’s King Power Stadium today, Friday 5 February.
The CEASE campaign - the Commitment to Eradicate Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of children in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – was officially opened by Sir Clive Loader, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire.
Among those to sign the pledge – which went live at 12 noon – are sports stars, actresses, faith leaders and businesses leaders.
We want at least 100,000 people to sign the pledge. Will you be the next?
It will only take a couple of minutes, but it could save a child from a lifetime of pain.
In signing the pledge, we will ask you to be aware of the signs to look out for that may indicate a child is in danger. By understanding these signs, and by looking out for them, together we can help protect children and young people.
Politicians, representatives from industry, commerce, charities and the private sector joined local celebrities at this morning’s pledge-signing launch of CEASE, which builds on the progress already made by councils, the police, the health service and other partners to tackle CSE.
The campaign is one of 12 separate multi-agency projects being funded by Sir Clive to protect the vulnerable. Last summer, he announced he would make up to £2m available to support creative and innovative multi-agency projects aimed at enhancing the work already being done to tackle CSE which he describes as “an insidious and wicked crime against the most vulnerable in society”.
CEASE is aimed at:
· Raising greater public awareness of CSE
· Raising public awareness of the signs that CSE may be happening
· Increasing the reporting of the offence; and
· Increasing the prosecutions of offenders.
A special video has been made in which local people and celebrities encourage others to sign the pledge.
To sign the pledge, follow this link:
www.leics.police.uk/CEASE
The Causes.com platform is being used to host the pledge. By signing the pledge you agree to the terms of use of the website. In order to sign the pledge you will need to create an account with Causes.com and provide your name, email address, date of birth, gender and nearest city. Please read the privacy policy to ensure you understand how your data may be used. Alternatively, you can sign in with your Facebook account, please make sure you understand what data Facebook may share with causes.com by reading the privacy policy. Causes.com and its parent company, Brigade, may email you about changes to features and special offers. You can opt out of these messages by changing your preferences in the settings page of your account.
Anyone who has concerns about child sexual exploitation, or who may be unsure about whether they should be worried, is urged not to keep any concerns to themselves.
You should contact the Police on101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you are concerned that a child is in immediate danger.
Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or report online www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/.
For more information on child sexual exploitation visit Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safeguarding children board websites:
www.lrsb.org.uk/cse
www.lcitylscb.org/information-for-practitioners/safeguarding-topics/child-sexual-exploitation
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016