A NORTH-EAST police force is supporting a national modern slavery campaign in a bid to help stop people from being sexually exploited.

Cleveland Police will be working with Stockton-based charity, A Way Out, and members of the public to raise awareness of sexual exploitation, as well as promoting information regarding how to gain help and support via social media.

Modern Slavery covers a wide range of abuse and mistreatment, but this particular campaign focuses on preventing and stopping sexual exploitation and will run for the rest of the month.

Detective Inspector Chris Stone said: “One of the difficulties with tracing victims, witnesses and offenders in regards to sexual exploitation is that it is often a hidden crime and many people do not want to come forward because of fear of violence or repercussions.

“We will be directing some of the campaign towards foreign nationals living in our area who are frequently victims of sexual exploitation. They could be in complicated situations which they are struggling to get out of.

“As a Force, we want to make it clear that if you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you do have rights.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said: “While many of us can’t imagine it, sadly there is evidence that the barbaric practice of modern slavery is taking place in Cleveland."