ESSEX Safeguarding Children Board, alongside partners, is raising awareness of child exploitation in a campaign called Operation Henderson.
Research has shown vulnerable young people could be exploited when using transport networks. Train stations are anonymous places that also provide some form of shelter and access to food and drink. A young person may use a train station or form of public transport in an attempt to disappear. Offenders may use bus and rail networks to traffic young people for sexual and criminal exploitation.
On Wednesday 23 October 2024, workers from the partnership will visit stations across the county. They will be talking with passengers, businesses and young people about spotting the signs of exploitation. They will also provide information about how to report concerns.
Everyone can help to safeguard vulnerable young people. Ticket collectors, engineers, coffee shop workers and cleaners all play an important role. There will also be awareness training offered to these workers.
Southend and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnerships run the joint initiative with British Transport Police, Essex Police, the Violence and Vulnerability Unit, The Railway Children, The Children’s Society, Greater Anglia, c2c, TfL, Social Care, local bus operators and local councils.
David Archibald, ESCB Independent Chair/Facilitator on behalf of the Statutory Partners said: “Child exploitation is a horrendous crime that can affect any child, from any community. Young people can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation when using public transport due to the anonymity these places offer. I’m proud that we continue to run the Operation Henderson campaign across Essex to raise awareness of how to spot exploitation and where to report concerns. Everyone has a role to play in helping to stop exploitation.”
