Worried parents call sexual exploitation hotline
Wednesday 12th May 2010, 3:39PM BST.
Parents who fear their teenage daughters could be being groomed for sexual exploitation in Telford called a special helpline within hours of it being launched, it was revealed today.
It was set up by Telford police, the borough council and agencies in a crackdown on sexual exploitation in Telford.
- Click to listen to Andy Gidding's full investigation
- Click to listen to DCI Alan Edwards from Telford Police
- Click to listen to a worker from Telford and Wrekin Council's CATE team (who cannot be named) on the topic of trafficking
- Click to listen to a worker from Telford and Wrekin Council's CATE team (who cannot be named) on the topic of grooming
- Click to listen to an interview with the mother from Telford who believes her daughter was groomed (her voice has been altered to protect her identity)
(Thanks to BBC Radio Shropshire for the audio)
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, of Telford CID, urged parents to watch out for the signs their daughter could be a victim, including new mobile phones, change of behaviour, use of alcohol and drugs, secrecy and truancy from school.
“There has been a lot of interest since the helpline was launched on Monday,” he said.
“The line was used by parents who wanted advise and to raise any concerns about their daughters.”
He went on: “We will be checking through all of the calls we have received and hope the awareness campaign has already stopped at least one girl becoming the next victim.”
Mr Edwards said girls, who were often vulnerable, were being targeted outside schools and discos by men. They build up their trust until the girls believe they are in a relationship and are then groomed to have sex with other men. Sexual exploitation in Telford is understood to involve at least 40 victims.
Any parents who need advise can call (01952) 385700 or the out of hours team on (01952) 676500.
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