SEXUALLY abused children and young people have helped shape a £1.5 million support service for victims.

The programme will be delivered by children’s charity Barnardo’s and funded by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Somerset County Council and four other local authorities.

A total of £150,000 is being spent on the project in Somerset.

Child Sexual Exploitation involves children being manipulated or forced into sexual acts, often in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Sexually exploited children suffer adverse consequences that blight their lives.

"Preventing their exploitation and responding quickly and effectively to stop exploitation is vital.

"This long-term and consistent support is what children need to survive and recover from their experiences and importantly to help the police identify and aggressively go after the perpetrators of this atrocious crime.

“There is complete determination across Avon and Somerset to help care and support young people who are being sexually exploited.

"I am thankful to all our local authorities for their support and to the young people who helped shaped the future service to ensure it is the very best it can be for our vulnerable young victims.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families at County Hall, said: “This support service is essential to help children who have been sexually exploited to recover, and we are proud to be working with the survivors of child exploitation, other local authorities, Barnardo’s and Avon and Somerset Police to help victims move forward and fulfil their potential.”

The young people were involved in the commissioning of the new service and as victims of CSE gave feedback on the ways support for young people could be improved.

They wanted to see increased awareness about the service and how to access it, including greater publicity in schools, as well as a mixture of male and female support workers and mechanisms to feedback on the service.

Barnardo’s regional assistant director Duncan Stanway said: “Barnardo’s has a long and successful record of supporting the victims of child sexual exploitation.

“It is a horrid and often hidden crime and we all have a role to play in raising awareness of the warning signs and keeping our children and young people safe from harm.

“This latest funding will enable our staff to work with even more partners across a wider area, ensuring that victims receive the specialist support they so desperately need in order to move on with their lives and fulfil their potential.”

The service across Avon and Somerset goes live in October, but for information, guidance, help and support about CSE, including how to spot the signs, visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org