Are you a party animal? Think twice about taking free things
A campaign is encouraging young people to think twice about accepting free drinks and gifts, and going to free parties.
The ‘Know About CSE’ campaign aims to raise awareness of how young people can be groomed, and how they can keep themselves safe from being sexually exploited.
Teenagers and their parents are being warned to be wary of predators who may try to lure young people to free ‘parties’ to pressure them into sex.
The campaign is asking young people to be wary if they are invited to parties or gatherings where persons present could try pressuring them into intercourse.
The message is simple – nothing in life comes for free, and the price you pay could be too high. Think twice before going to any parties - if someone that you don’t really know very well is inviting you to a party, offering free lifts, alcohol, drugs, then it’s probably too good to be true. What do they want in return? If you do go and you need help, ring 999 in an emergency.
Officers are also urging guardians to check their children know enough about the places they are going to and, while not trying to stop the having fun, encourage them to take care and get in touch if they feel uncomfortable or get in trouble.
Authorities are reminding teenagers that they should feel under no compulsion to do anything that they don’t want to do and if they do start to feel uncomfortable they should leave as soon as they can and ring an adult that they trust.
The new campaign has been produced by the partners of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Safeguarding Children Board in consultation with young people across the county. It is being run by Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire.
Tackling child sexual exploitation (CSE) and serious sexual offences remains a priority for partners across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.
Young people and parents are being asked to find out more at about child sexual exploitation and make sure they understand what the warning signs are that someone is being groomed or sexually exploited, and to report their concents.