NSPCC Cymru / Wales has welcomed a new Welsh Government action plan to tackle child sexual exploitation in Wales.
Announced today, the All-Wales National Action Plan to Tackle Child Sexual Exploitationprovides a framework for organisations involved in child safeguarding to work together to protect children from abuse and sexual exploitation.
The NSPCC worked closely with the Welsh Government and partner agencies over recent months to help create the plan.
Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Des Mannion, said:
“We welcome this action plan, which is a huge stride forward in protecting children from sexual exploitation here.
“NSPCC Cymru / Wales has worked closely with the Welsh Government and other partner agencies its development and we are pleased to see many of our recommendations adopted, particularly our calls for better support for young victims and witnesses of child sexual exploitation
“It is important that children are given the ability to speak out against exploitation and abuse. But first they must recognise that they are being abused and exploited and so we welcome the review of guidance and assessment, the multi-agency training programme and the response services which will help young people overcome their experiences.
“They must also be given the support they need by the relevant authorities to ensure they are treated fairly, sensitively and in an age-appropriate way.
“One in 20 children are victims of child abuse and we will be urging the next Welsh government to broaden this strategy and develop a Child Sexual Abuse Action Plan.
“This is just the beginning and there is still a long way to go in protecting children fully from sexual abuse and exploitation.”
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