Surrey Police launch animations to tell the story of CSE victims

Surrey Police have produced two videos to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

The videos show a teenager’s perspective of their experience of being groomed and ultimately forced in to sexual exploitation. The stories are based on elements of real cases from Surrey and have been animated to provide a unique style which seeks to resonate with a younger audience.

Over the coming weeks, the animations will be shared across social media channels alongside messaging that will promote confidence and empowerment to report concerns that a young person may have about their own experience or that of a friend encouraging them to “tell someone they trust” if they feel or recognise that something isn’t right.

Surrey Police have also produced a poster of a young female and male victim, featuring CSE warning signs. These posters are aimed at teachers and parents and those that come into contact with young people.

CSE is a type of sexual abuse in which children or young people under 18 receive ‘something’ such as food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money, in return for sexual activity. It is understood to be a growing issue across the UK.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lee of Public Protection for Surrey Police, said: “Child sexual exploitation is perpetrated against young boys and girls regardless of their background. What makes it so difficult to tackle is that many young people who are being abused believe they are in a consensual relationship and do not recognise the true nature of their abusers.”

“We hope that these videos will help shine a light on grooming and empower young people to think and speak out if they have concerns. By raising awareness of the warning signs through these stories, we hope that more people will come forward with information to detect and prevent abuse.”

To view the videos, click here: