16.01.14
DH must gather evidence on child sexual exploitation
More work is needed to tackle the evidence gap around child sexual exploitation, an independent health working group has stated.
The group, chaired by the Department of Health, has called for effective engagement of health services and staff to improve awareness, understanding, and recognition of exploitation. A co-ordinated response is needed from multiple agencies, as is more therapeutic services for victims of sexual exploitation. Such abuse can have severe consequences on physical and mental health.
The group has recommended that the DH work to address the gaps in evidence on child sexual exploitation and to request NICE guidance on how to identify and treat children who have been subject to this.
Public health secretary Jane Ellison said: “Health professionals, and those concerned with improving the health and welfare of their local population have a responsibility to tackle child sexual exploitation. Agencies and organisations from different sectors need to work together to engage children, young people and local communities to do this effectively. Through commissioning of services which accurately reflect need, health commissioners can provide services which are accessible, high quality and evidence-based.
“Health care professionals are central to the prevention and identification of child sexual exploitation. Furthermore, they are able to provide a range of interventions and including signposting to specialist services and providing longer term support and rehabilitation.”
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