Police back new national campaign supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation

We are supporting a new national campaign that focuses on encouraging victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation to reach out for support.

Called ‘When You Are Ready’, the campaign, which has been fully informed by those with lived experience from start to finish, hopes to make victims and survivors feel seen and heard, to know they’re not alone and encourage them to tell a friend, contact a support organisation and feel empowered to take that step, whenever they’re ready to do so.

Launched today (Monday) by the national Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Taskforce, the campaign centres on a hard hitting three-minute film which features the voices of victims and survivors who have experienced child sexual abuse and exploitation – this includes both contact and online offences.

The campaign also aims to encourage further victims and survivors to reach out for support if that’s the right thing to do for them - whether it’s telling a friend or contacting a support organisation. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown said: “Child sexual abuse and exploitation is one of the most monstrous of crimes; it not only ruins a child’s young years but stays with them through into adulthood.

“We understand that it can take many years for someone to process the abuse or exploitation that they have experienced, and we know how important it is for victims to feel heard, safe and supported, even if you are unsure or not quite ready to pursue a full investigation.

“We want you to know that support is always available and that we are here to help you whenever you are ready.”

Find out more about the campaign 

Find out more about child sexual abuse, where you can get support or to report any incidents, no matter how long ago it happened.