Sign pledge to help eradicate child abuse and sexual exploitation

The initiative is part of a major multi-agency campaign which was launched at a special event at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Friday.

The CEASE campaign – the Commitment to Eradicate Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of children – was officially opened by Sir Clive Loader, police and crime commissioner for Leicestershire.

Among those to sign the pledge, which went live at noon, are sports stars, actresses, faith leaders and businesses leaders. The force wants at least 100,000 people to sign the pledge and help save a child from a lifetime of pain.

In signing the pledge, police are asking you to be aware of the signs to look out for that may indicate a child is in danger. By understanding these signs, and by looking out for them, communities can help protect children and young people.

Politicians, representatives from industry, commerce, charities and the private sector joined local celebrities at Friday’s pledge-signing launch of CEASE, which builds on the progress already made by councils, the police, the health service and other partners to tackle child abuse.

The campaign is one of 12 separate multi-agency projects being funded by Sir Clive to protect the vulnerable. Last summer, he announced he would make up to £2m available to support creative and innovative multi-agency projects aimed at enhancing the work already being done to tackle CSE which he describes as “an insidious and wicked crime against the most vulnerable in society”.

CEASE is aimed at:

• Raising greater public awareness of child abuse and sexual exploitation;

• Raising public awareness of the signs that it may be happening;

• Increasing the reporting of the offence;

• Increasing the prosecutions of offenders.

Sign the pledge.

Anyone who has concerns about child sexual exploitation, or who may be unsure about whether they should be worried, is urged not to keep any concerns to themselves.

You should contact the police on 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you are concerned that a child is in immediate danger.

Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or report online.

For more information on child sexual exploitation visit Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safeguarding children board websites: www.lrsb.org.uk/cse and www.lcitylscb.org/information-for-practitioners/safeguarding-topics/child-sexual-exploitation