CHILD sexual exploitation is happening in Somerset – and we need to act now to protect children.

That is the stark warning from Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and county council leader John Osman, as they launch a new awareness-raising campaign.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is the exchange of something a young person may need or want, such as food, alcohol, affection or gifts, for sexual activity with an abuser.

Figures show that this type of crime, otherwise known as grooming, is increasing across Somerset.

The common perception is that it is something that only happens in big cities in other parts of the country.

The reality is that child sexual exploitation happens in every part of the country, including Somerset.

It happens in towns and villages and happens to boys and girls from different kinds of backgrounds and walks of life, not just those you might usually think of as being at risk.

Council Leader, John Osman, joined the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, to launch a series of awareness raising adverts in Taunton.

Cllr Osman said: “It’s tempting to think this doesn’t happen in a rural county like Somerset, but sadly it does and raising awareness is an important part of prevention and protection.

“One of the ways we are doing this is by sharing real experiences of child sexual exploitation with our residents in the next edition of our quarterly newspaper, Your Somerset, which will be delivered to households across Somerset this month.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added: “We work with all our partners to protect children but everyone can play a role.

“I hope this campaign helps people to understand that there is no discrimination in this type of abuse; any child, from any background, can be affected, and the impact is incredibly damaging.”

As part of the campaign, the council and police have released some top tips for people to keep an eye out for exploitation.

The warning signs of child sexual exploitation include: • Going missing or regularly returning home late • Regularly missing school • Unexplained expensive gifts • Inappropriate sexualised behaviour and suffering from sexually transmitted infections.

If you know or suspect a child or young person is in immediate date, call 999 straight away.