A NEW campaign designed to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation amongst young people has been launched in the region.

'In the Wrong Hands' is a hard-hitting initiative which highlights the signs to look out for and where to find help or report concerns.

The campaign - which being led by the four Local Safeguarding Children Boards in Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool - is being rolled out at schools and health centres around the Teesside area.

Students from Redcar's Rye Hills School were amongst the first to learn about the campaign today (Wednesday, May 20).

Kate Bowes, 14, said: "I think that it is important to get this message out on social media and many young people don't read newspapers but get everything online. The more information about help and support that is out there, the better for all young people."

Former leading detective, Mark Braithwaite, representing the four Independent Chairs of the Local Safeguarding Children Boards, helped to launch the scheme which will be rolled out in all secondary schools, youth and community groups in the Tees area.

"Child sexual exploitation is a serious crime that devastates lives," he said. "Preventing child sexual exploitation is everybody's business, not just social workers or the police, and it is hoped the leaflets and information will not only raise the profile of the campaign among professionals but also across communities.

“Often the victims are not aware they're being exploited and we hope that this simple but powerful campaign will help people recognise the signs and encourage them to speak up about this issue which is often seen as taboo, and report their concerns.”

The focus on child sexual exploitation comes as the Government launches an inquiry into allegations of historic child sex abuse by establishment figures after claims that a Westminster paedophile ring was the subject of a cover-up.

The Jimmy Savile scandal and the conviction of Rolf Harris for sex offences has also increased concerns about vulnerable youngsters being preyed on for sexual gratification.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: "I wholeheartedly support this campaign in bringing to the attention of both young people and all the professionals involved in young people’s lives initial indications to look out for that exploitation is taking place so as it can be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Such exploitation exists across all social backgrounds and we need to offer those caught up in such abuse our full support and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

For confidential support and advice contact: Childline: 0800-11-11; Barnardo’s: 01642-819743; Stop it now: 0808-100-900 or Cleveland Police: 101