Meeting documents

To receive a presentation and update on progress made since the Task and Finish Group’s final report.

The Committee considered this presentation that provided details of the Council’s on-going work to prevent child sexual exploitation. It was explained that there was a great deal that was unknown about the perpetrators, this was because relevant agencies did not seem to record data on those responsible and frequently victims did not know their abusers.

It had been estimated by the Children’s Commissioner that 16,500 children in the UK were at risk of exploitation. However given that it largely remained a hidden form of abuse and due to inconsistent record keeping it was thought that the true figure of those at risk or victims was probably higher.  

It was noted that the Council was working closely with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and other agencies including Barnardo’s and the NHS, in order to help create an environment where vulnerable children can report abuse and feel safe. This would then hopefully result in a more joined up and less fragmented approach so all victims were known to all services in Somerset rather than none or some and there would be adequate services in place to be able to respond.

There was a discussion about issues involving confidentiality and data protection between various agencies and the work being undertaken to ensure protocols were observed whilst also ensuring important information was shared appropriately. It was also noted that the increase in the number of victims may be as a result of a higher profile the issue of sexual exploitation had in recent times and this had raised overall awareness of the subject.

The report was accepted.