A NEW service is being launched to help identify and support victims of child sexual exploitation.

The initiative in Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire has received £1million Government funding.

Police and partner agencies Barnardo’s will combine to tackle criminals manipulating or forcing youngsters to take part in sexual acts, often in return for money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation.

More than £2million will be made available for the project over the next two years, including a total of £900,000 from both Police and Crime Commissioners, local authorities and Barnardo’s, along with £1.2million from the Home Office.

The new service will see the police, local authorities, health agencies and voluntary organisations work together and will involve specialist workers working alongside professionals, sharing information and best practice, raising awareness of the problem and increasing training.

Avon and Somerset PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “This is a positive step forward which will allow us to become better at identifying the hidden children being exploited and give them the support they need to understand they’ve been exploited and to cope and recover from their experience.

“It’s an issue which can only be tackled together and with different agencies working even more closely in partnership with each other we can make a real difference.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Julian Moss added: “The exploitation of children for sex is a grotesque crime and safeguarding victims is a fundamental priority for us.

“We will not rest while there is just one potential victim of CSE and this extra funding will undoubtedly help us identify victims faster, respond to their needs better and ensure those who commit CSE offences have no place to hide.”

Duncan Stanway, assistant director at Barnardo’s, said: “Barnardo’s already has strong and effective working relationships with local agencies but we hope this new funding will enable us to share our experience and expertise across an even wider area.

“The scale of the abuse is shocking and more incidences are coming to light.

“Working together, we can help these children to rebuild their shattered lives and bring perpetrators to justice.”