Force Marks Child Exploitation Awareness Day with Countywide Conference

This week, the Bedfordshire Against Violence and Exploitation (BAVEX) working group held a countywide conference that brought together the force, local authority partners, and community organisations to showcase how Bedfordshire is tackling violent crime and the exploitation of young vulnerable people.

Hosted on National Child Exploitation Awareness Day (18 March), more than 140 people gathered at Wyboston Lakes to hear from keynote speakers instrumental in reducing violence and exploitation in Bedfordshire.

Opened by Detective Chief Superintendent Duncan Young, attendees heard about the current picture around serious youth violence and gang activity, the impact and threat of domestic and foreign organised crime groups, and the ways in which the force is addressing these challenges. Despite the positive strides, DCS Young called on partners to continue supporting the force and each other to ensure an effective whole systems approach.

Detective Inspector Ali Whitworth spoke on County Lines and the tactics the force is employing to uncover and dismantle their networks, while Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown spoke on the issue of Male Violence Against Women and Girls (MVAWG), the steps being taken to root out associated behaviours internally, while empowering the public to do the same through Clare’s Law and more recently, Raneem’s Law.

DCS Duncan Young said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Lisa Robinson for her efforts in organising such an event.

“With countless partners as a captive audience, we were able to inform statutory and community organisations alike of the complex landscape that is violence and exploitation, while also showcasing the efforts and tactics we are employing to reduce harm and prevent offending.

“As I stressed on the day, policing has long advanced from the mindset of arresting our way out of issues like these. Without the backing and vital wrap-around care provided by our partners our work would certainly be hampered.”

Lived experience was a key focus for the day, as YouTurn Future’s Schools Navigator Roseann Taylor spoke of the fatal stabbing of her son Azaan ‘AJ’ Kaleem and the ways in which professionals can better support young people challenged by an adverse experience or upbringing. The Bedford and Luton Recovery Forum were represented by Jason and Marta, who were supported by the group as they work to overcome their adverse experiences and raise awareness of the importance of partners being trauma-informed.

The conference also heard from community organisations including Ruth Robb, Co-founder of Azalea Foundation helping men and women walk free from sex trafficking, and Hayley Brown, CEO of Link To Change, a Bedford-based charity specialising in supporting young people affected by exploitation. Wingman Mentors also took to the stage to speak about their efforts to place Critical Bleed Kits funded by Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) in every ward in the county.

Lisa Robinson, Bedfordshire Partnership Strategic Lead for Exploitation and Missing, said: “I’m incredibly pleased to have brought the county together in this way, but I was even more proud to look at the conference body made up of quality, caring, and effective provisions.

“Like many places across the country, violence and exploitation remain a very tangible threat to the lives of our young and vulnerable people. Events like the BAVEX conference offer the opportunity to celebrate our efforts while also reminding us why we do what we do, how much more there is to be done, and how our partnerships are vital to tackling violence and exploitation in Bedfordshire.”

Other speakers on the day included the force’s Education & Diversion Coordinator Richard Denton, who discussed the influence music has in exploitation, Manager of Bedfordshire’s VERU Louisa Glynn, Bedfordshire Youth Offending Service Manager Pat Jennings, and the county’s Community Safety Partnership Managers Lisa Scott, Tara Lynch, and Sarah Stevens, and one of the force’s Communications Team Leaders Chantelle Olaiya.

Umme Ali, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner said “Child exploitation in all of its forms is a horrific crime that destroys young lives and has no place in our society. It is our duty to do everything we can to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

“In my role as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, I am leading on our mission to Protect Women and Children. This includes working on crucial strategies to prevent child abuse and exploitation by working closely with partners to identify risks early, educate communities, and ensure those at risk receive the support they need.

“Through stronger partnerships, education, and early intervention, we are determined to do all we can to challenge the root causes of exploitation, empower young people with knowledge, and create a society where this horrific crime has no place to thrive.”

For more information on how you can support us in tackling violence and exploitation, visit our end child exploitation page.