A campaign aimed at raising awareness of the tell-tale signs of child sexual exploitation heads to North Wales this weekend.
Working with the Welsh Rugby Union a special film has been produced as part of the ‘The More You Know’ campaign.
Members of the Wales squad including Sam Warburton, Rhys Priestland and George North help deliver a powerful message that sexual exploitation is child abuse which puts young victims at huge risk of damage to their physical, emotional and psychological health.
The film will be shown at the Wales v France RBS 6 Nations at the Millennium Stadium tonight and it will also be shown at the Under-20’s Wales v France match which is being held at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay today (Saturday, February 22).
A key message of the campaign – which is being led by North Wales Police on behalf of the four Welsh police forces, is that many young people who are being abused don’t realise that they are at risk and don’t call for help and whilst there is no stereotypical victim of exploitation there are warning signs in children’s behaviour that may indicate something is wrong.
Detective Superintendent John Hanson of North Wales Police said:
“The police with our partners are committed to safeguarding children and young people, and the four Welsh forces are committed to tackling child sexual abuse, helping victims and bringing offenders to justice.
“If people know what to look out for they can take steps to help a child that is being exploited. People young and old listen to their sporting icons and we are very grateful to the WRU for agreeing to help us deliver these important messages.”
The campaign forms part of the work that Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards across Wales are committed to, and is supported by a number of national organisations including Barnado’s Cymru, the NSPCC and the Welsh Government.
Speaking ahead of the film being shown at the Under-20’s match at Eirias Park, former Wales international and WRU General Manager of the North Wales Development Region Rupert Moon said:
“I am fully supportive of this campaign and it will be great to see members of the Wales squad on the big screen here at Eirias Park.
“This project underlines our commitment to working together to ensure that we do everything we can to raise awareness on this important subject.”
The More You Know campaign also has a dedicated website with more information on what to look out for and what to do if you think something is not right. The site also contains a number of victims’ accounts of their own experiences. (www.themoreyouknow.org.uk)
