NI Parents Fail To Spot Signs Of Sexual Exploitation

Over half of parents in Northern Ireland are unaware of signs that their child could be at risk of sexual exploitation, according to new statistics.

The survey, conducted by YouGove on behalf of children’s charity Bardnardo’s NI, showed that 42% of mothers and fathers believed consistently coming home late was a sign of potential abuse, while 46% thought associating with older children or adults might be a warning sign.

Three out of four parents said they thought a child behaving in an inappropriately sexual way could be a sign of abuse. About two thirds said unexplained gifts could be another tell-tale.

58% felt that their child going missing for 24 hours or more was a warning signal.

Barnardo's say the surveys show a need for more awareness among parents, professionals and young people about the signs of sexual exploitation.

Launching a new campaign to raise awareness, manager of Barnardo's NI Safe Choices Service Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin said: "This is a horrible and pernicious crime that everybody needs to be aware of.

"Vulnerable girls and boys, who crave love and attention, are groomed then abused in the most callous and calculated way, leaving them deeply traumatised and possibly scarred for life.

"Yet victims continue to go unidentified as telltale signs are overlooked. I want mothers, fathers, professionals and young people to have the confidence in spotting these signs. The earlier abuse is identified, the earlier we can stop it."

(IT/GK)