Safeguarding vulnerable children & young people on public transport

Our officers work to raise awareness at Essex bus and rail stations of the vulnerability of children and young people to exploitation and abuse.

Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB) says research shows children and young people can be exploited when using transport networks.

They may use trains, buses or taxis in an attempt to disappear, while offenders may use rail and bus networks to traffic young people for sexual and criminal exploitation. And rail stations are anonymous places which provide shelter and access to food and drink.

Stuart Smith is the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Lead for Essex Police. He says:

“Child exploitation is so damaging to victims and we want to raise awareness of this appalling criminal activity.
“Children and young people often travel on trains, buses and taxis on their own but, unfortunately, this can leave them vulnerable to abusers who want to exploit them sexually or for criminal purposes.
“Everyone can help to safeguard children and young people but passengers and transport staff can be key in spotting the signs of vulnerability and exploitation.
“If you see something which is suspicious, or you have identified a child or young person you believe to be is at risk, please report the information to us so we and our partners can take safeguarding action if necessary.”

Our officers have been visiting rail and bus stations this week with staff from partner agencies and charities to talk to passengers, transport staff and businesses about the signs of exploitation and how to report concerns.

Travelling along identified key routes, they talked to members of the public as well as staff working within and around stations, from ticket collectors and engineers to coffee shop workers, cleaners and taxi drivers, who all play an important role in safeguarding vulnerable young people.

They also highlighted the awareness training available for these staff under the banner of Operation Henderson.

ESCB, Southend and Thurrock safeguarding children partnerships run the joint initiative with us, British Transport Police, Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit, Greater Anglia, c2c, Transport for London, local bus operators, Essex Social Care, local councils and The Children’s Society and The Railway Children charities.

ESCB Independent Chair David Archibald says:

“Child exploitation is a horrendous crime that can affect any child, from any community.
“Young people can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation when using public transport due to the anonymity these places offer.
“I’m proud that we continue to run the Operation Henderson campaign across Essex to raise awareness of how to spot exploitation and where to report concerns.
“Everyone has a role to play in helping to stop exploitation.”

Spot the signs

The Look Closer Campaign is a joint initiative with The Children’s Society and British Transport Police  and the National County Lines Coordination Centre.

It encourages members of the public to learn the signs of child exploitation and understand how to report it if you are concerned.

The national campaign focuses on public spaces like bus and train stations, fast food outlets, roadside services, and hotels - places where young victims of exploitation could be visible.

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