POLICING Minister Damian Green yesterday vowed to step up the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse against vulnerable people.
Speaking at a Home Office summit, he praised the growth of Multi Agency Safeguarding Hubs created along the lines of Blackburn with Darwen’s pioneering Engage Team.
It was set up in 2006 by the borough council, Lancashire police, child protection charities and anti-prostitution groups after the Lancashire Telegraph launched its ‘Keep Them Safe’ campaign to combat child sex grooming.
It has since been extended to cover Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, led to the creation of a similar Freedom Team in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and used as a template nationwide.
After visiting a centre in Staffordshire, Mr Green told the summit: “We need to stop sickening child sexual abuse before it starts. The ambitious programme of work I am setting out today hinges on agencies coming together to stamp out abuse.
“We are already making progress.
“The police are more engaged, aware and determined to identify victims.”
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