Charity launches campaign to tackle sexual abuse of children

Hertfordshire County Council is backing Barnardo’s efforts to tackle the sexual abuse of children.

Cut Them Free campaign

The council has signed-up to support the charity’s ‘Cut Them Free’ campaign, which aims to reduce the number of children and young people who are sexually exploited.

Barnardo’s are keen to spread awareness of the sensitive issues raised in the campaign and are asking people to post or tweet their support via Facebook and Twitter (@barnardos #cuthemfree).

The council will examine the prevalence of sexual abuse in Hertfordshire, raise awareness among residents and develop a strategic response to the problem.

There are currently 81 local authorities and over 8000 individuals signed up to the campaign.

It is hoped that with wide spread support, ‘Cut Them Free’ will lead to a fuller understanding of the dangers of sexual abuse and prevent more children being abused.

Richard Roberts, cabinet member for children's services, said: "The county council will draw on Barnardo's expertise to make sure we are doing all we can to protect our young people from abuse.

“We have already made great strides in improving the way in which child sexual exploitation is tackled in Hertfordshire, including setting up the nation's first Joint Child Protection Investigation Team with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

"This partnership has significantly raised awareness (of the problem) within the county. I believe that supporting the Barnardo's campaign is another important step to ensuring a positive childhood for all Hertfordshire's young people."

You can find out more about the ‘Cut Them Free’ campaign on Facebook and Twitter or on the Barnardo’s website.