Summary

A 20 minute film drama based on a popular television soap opera, designed to raise awareness of police officers, but suitable for use with anyone who works with children and young people.

Type of intervention

Film

Target groups, level of prevention and subgroups

• Communities and Families | Primary prevention | Young Adults (18-20 years), Adults (21+ years) | Male and female | Film | English

 

Target population

This film is designed to raise awareness of police officers, but suitable for use with anyone who works with children and young people.

Delivery organisation

Association of Chief Police Officers, NPA, Siyona Tech, Childline. See www.cse.siyonatech.com.

Mode and context of delivery

A film designed to raise awareness of grooming and sexual exploitation.

Level/nature of staff expertise required

No particular expertise required as film contains the essential information.

Intensity/extent of engagement with target group(s)

This is a 20 minute film which can be followed by some discussion of the issues raised.

Description of intervention

The Sexual Exploitation of Children: Can You Recognise the Signs?) is a 20 minute film that raises awareness about grooming and sexual exploitation. It is aimed at training police officers, but can be used with anyone. It uses the Eastenders storyline of Whitney, a teenage girl who has previously been abused. She is now living away from home and is struggling to make money. She meets Rob who treats her well and tells her he loves her. Rob isolates her from her friends and makes her dependent on him. He takes her to a party and asks her for a favour; to have sex with his friends. She escapes but he continues to contact her. Actress Shona McGarty talks about why Whitney is vulnerable and how Rob manipulates her. The film is introduced by a senior police officer. It ends with lists of what makes children vulnerable to child sexual abuse and key indicators.

Evaluations

No evaluative data available.

References

Barnardo’s (2012) Cutting them free: how is the UK progressing in protecting its children from sexual exploitation (PDF). London: Barnardo’s.

Beckett, H. et al (2012) Research into gang-associated sexual exploitation and sexual violence: interim report (PDF). Luton: University of Bedfordshire.

Berelowitz, S. et al (2012) “I thought I was the only one. The only one in the world.” The Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s inquiry in to child sexual exploitation in gangs and groups: interim report (PDF). London: Office of the Children’s Commissioner.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) (2011) Out of mind, out of sight: breaking down the barriers to child sexual exploitation: executive summary (PDF). London: CEOP.

Contact details

See http://cse.siyonatech.com/ 

INFORMATION CORRECT AT JANUARY 2021

RATING: Pioneering