DOZENS of children were deemed at risk of sexual exploitation last year, new figures have revealed.

A report for Darlington Borough Council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee shows there were 30 referrals of child sexual exploitation (CSE) deemed either high or medium risk in the town in 2016.

Of the 30 cases, around 17 per cent of them were identified as high risk.

The report showed children aged between 13 and 17 were at the greatest risk of CSE, but some as young as nine had been referred in the last year.

Although the majority of cases related to girls, a handful of referrals had been made in respect of boys, according to the report, which went on to say that research showed boys and young men are equally at risk of being victims of CSE.

The report said: “The dangers of the impact of CSE on boys and young men are often overlooked by practitioners.

“There is evidence that young men who are being sexually abused are often more likely to be criminalised for their behaviour and viewed as a perpetrator without questioning the reasons being their behaviour.

“Additionally, young men find it more difficult to disclose an abusive relationship.”

The report confirmed of the 30 cases referred last year, 11 of them have subsequently closed following successful intervention, whilst the other 19 are still open and receiving a service.

Children’s charity Barnado’s has worked work with the council and social workers since 2011 to support children and young people who have been identified as being at risk of sexual exploitation or have been sexually exploited.

The report said: “The focus of the work is to protect and safeguard children and young people and to prevent sexual exploitation by providing support, advice and consultancy services.

“When a young person has been assessed as high or medium risk, the Barnardo’s CSE protect workers work with the case holding social worker to reduce the risk of CSE.”

The report said the council would continue to develop preventative strategies and ensure CSE is an “integral part” of PCSE classes in all schools, as well as further developing the role of CSE champions.

Darlington Borough Council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday (February 20) to discuss the report and their future plans.