Hospitality workers in Northern Ireland asked to monitor child sexual exploitation

Hotel operators are required to monitor young victims of sexual exploitation.

PSNI says it is working with a security industry body that manages staff at the door, as well as bar and hotel staff and taxi drivers, to help keep young people safe.

Police say Friday (March 18) is Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day, and prior to the event, professionals will talk to workers and tell them about signs that may indicate an abusive or exploitative relationship.

Bars and certified employees are required to watch things like this:

* adults make friends with young people, including buying food and drink;

* adults who enter independently and always turn to the young;

* adults who often come with different guys;

* adults who buy alcohol and who are suspected of being under the age of 18;

* Appear anxious or afraid around young people.

For hotel staff, police say staff should consider things such as adult guests who “hide their visit or try to hide that they are with a young man and many adults” and young adults “come to a hotel that they don’t own.” The reason for their presence or the high level of guests in the hotel room.”

PSNI claims to have a team of 13 investigators to fight these crimes, with CSE agents deployed in each health district.

They say proactive surveys and “interdisciplinary interventions” have reduced the number of at-risk 33 children in the past six months. Police say that as of February 2022, 37 children are currently identified as being at risk.

Detective Sgt. Joann Jackson said sexual exploitation of children takes many forms and it is everyone’s responsibility to stop it. A better understanding of the common signs of this crime will give people the essential ability to report it to the police in order to protect more children identified as at risk.

We have a dedicated team of officers trained to crack down on criminals and bring them to justice. “Those who seek to sexually exploit children in Northern Ireland should fear the consequences of their actions.”

PSNI says national and local evidence shows that ESCs are insufficient and can be taken to hotels, bars and other places that have a license to sell alcohol and that taxis are used to transport young people who are later exploited. Now that these sectors are operating as usual, they add, “the risk has increased.”

A PSNI spokesperson added: “Therefore, it is imperative that personnel in these areas are trained to spot CSE signs and give them the confidence to report them to the police if they feel something is wrong.”

“SIA’s goal is to protect the public,” said Lee Crofts, SIA’s director of regional investigations. By working with police, local utilities, and licensees with our partners, we can raise awareness of economic, social and cultural centers and help protect some of society’s most vulnerable members: children.

Prior to CSE Awareness Day and on the same day, the Northern Ireland Police Service will also share information on how to post banners on social media channels and target online advertisements to young people aged 13-16.

If you are concerned about your child’s well-being and think they may be being exploited, report it to the police online, in case of emergency 101 or 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org. For more information about the signs to watch out for, click here.