GMP continues to tackle child sexual exploitation and welcomes announcement of new measures

Greater Manchester Police is reiterating the force’s continued determination to fight, prevent, and reduce child sexual exploitation (CSE) across and support survivors across Greater Manchester.

The reiteration follows the announcement of new measures, by the government, to improve care for survivors and protection for vulnerable people, whilst also improving national support for police forces in tackling sexually exploitative crime against children.

In 2022, GMP recorded 37 more CSE-related crimes than in the previous year – taking the number of live investigations into recent and non-recent abuse involving multiple victims and/ or multiple suspects up to 62.

Since establishment in 2021, the Force CSE Unit has charged eight suspects with 82 CSE-related offences and arrested an additional 50 suspects – many of whom currently remain on bail pending further enquiries.

With the number of employees posted to the unit being increased by 25%, Greater Manchester Police is committed to securing the best possible support and outcomes for survivors, regardless of any time passed.

GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: “Any additional measures to improve capacity and capability to tackle sexually exploitative crime against children are positive and it goes without saying that they are welcomed by myself and, particularly, the officers who are at the forefront of the fight against this type of offending - which so cruelly and dreadfully impacts the lives of survivors.

"With these survivors and communities across Greater Manchester at the forefront of our minds, this police force and our partner agencies will utilise these new measures in striving to continuously improve the response to these incidents, the service provided to those who need help at what are often the most traumatic times of their lives, and the relentless pursuit of predatory offenders.”

Detective Superintendent Dave Kehoe, Head of GMP’s Force CSE Unit, said: “With charges on the increase, I am confident that we are making a difference to survivors’ experiences of the criminal justice system. There is, however, always more to be done so the announcement of new measures alongside the ongoing recruitment into the force’s dedicated CSE unit is a promising development.

“We know how hard it can be for survivors to come forward so I would like to use this opportunity to promise them that the force CSE unit will thoroughly investigate abuse, regardless of time passed, and will continue to share best practice with colleagues on districts across Greater Manchester to ensure a consistent multi-agency response which prioritises support and outcomes for survivors.”

Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or CCE?

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting"); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.