Tackling Exploitation

This page provides information in relation to a range of different Safeguarding subjects and details of who you should report concerns to.

Warning signs to look out for:

Exploitation can be very difficult to identify. Warning signs can easily be mistaken for ‘normal’ teenage behaviour. Young people who are being sexually exploited may:

• Be involved in abusive relationships, intimidated and fearful or certain people or situations.
• Associate with groups of older people or antisocial groups or with vulnerable peers.
• Be involved in gangs, gang fights or gang membership.
• Have older boyfriends or girlfriends.
• Spend time at places of concern such as hotels.
• Not know where they are because they have been moved around the country.
• Go missing from home, education or care.

Things you may notice in a young person being exploited:

• Withdrawn
• Anxious
• Depressed
• Aggressive
• Changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns
• Alcohol and drug use
• Self-harm

If you know a child or young person you believe is being exploited please call 101 and quote Operation Liberal.

For further information in relation to CSE please visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/child-sexual-exploitation/

Prevent

Hampshire Constabulary and local authorities are working with partner agencies and the public to stop people from becoming or supporting terrorists.

Although extremely rare in the UK, violent extremism and terrorism are still a danger to us all. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be threatened by a few people who encourage and glorify violent in the name of politics or religion.

What is terrorism?

Terrorism occurs when unlawful force or threats are used to support a belief or ideology. These criminal acts can include threatening someone because they are a different colour or religion; causing damage to property to get a political point of view across; or setting off a bomb to kill or injure people and terrorise whole communities.

Who are terrorists?

They can come from any background, any community, or any religion. They can be young or old, male or female. They believe that violent or terrorism is acceptable, and that it can bring them respect, riches and even glory.

How are we tackling the threat?

Since 2001, many plots to attack the UK have been stopped by the Police and security services, saving the lives of many people, and in recent years terrorists have been convicted and jailed. It is strongly believed that terrorists will try again. Therefore it is important to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism in the first place.

Prevention is better than the cure. Partnership agencies are working with the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to stop individuals becoming or supporting terrorists by building stronger, safer communities who feel empowered to reject extremism and terrorism in all its form.

To find out more about reporting suspicious activity or behaviour please visit: https://act.campaign.gov.uk/

To report online material promoting terrorism or extremism please visit: www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

For further information in relation to Prevent locally please visit: www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/advice-and-information/general/prevent

Modern Day Slavery

The transportation, exploitation and enslavement of vulnerable men, women and children happens across the globe and throughout the UK as well as here in Hampshire.

It is not always obvious when someone is the victim of slavery, trafficking or exploitation and yet they can be people we meet day-to-day without realising. This is one of the reasons your help is needed to identify and rescue victims from further abuse.

What is being done to stop Modern Day Slavery in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight?

The Modern Slavery Partnership for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is a multi-agency partnership. It was set up by Hampshire Constabulary in 2013 and is currently funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

A range of organisations are working together to fight slavery and support victims.

To find out more about Modern Day Slavery visit https://www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/msp 

To speak in confidence about any concerns you have including the below:

• People who are exploiting, enslaving or threatening others more vulnerable than them.
• People you believe have been trafficked, enslaved or exploited or forced to work.
• Suspicious activity you believe could be linked to trafficking or slavery.

Please call Hampshire Constabulary on 101. If you don’t want to speak to the police directly you can call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or the National Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.

Children, Sexting and Sexual Imagery

The term ‘Sexting’ means different things to different groups of people but Sexting is risky and is a safeguarding concern. Sexting is the use of digital technology to record and send sexual photos, images, videos as well as text messages, with others online.

Children are often unaware of the law, risks, dangers and consequences of Sexting. Sexting can happen between adults and children but also amongst children themselves.

Tips on preventing Sexting:

• Encourage your child to explain the sorts of things they share, with who and how.
• Educate yourself, find out what social media apps they use and find out what can be done on them, some do not allow photographs to be sent whereas others enable the user to put a time limit on messages before they disappear from the screen (except they don’t really ever disappear if a screenshot is taken and misused).
• Educate your child by talking to them about what Sexting is and what they can do to protect themselves (encourage your child to think about what they share with others and who might see it online).

If you are unsure of what to do, contact the police directly by visiting a police station or by dialling 101 and speak to a call handler who will be able to help you.[/zozo_vc_section_title][/vc_column][/vc_row]