MORE than 30 children in Wiltshire have been suspected or confirmed as being the victims of child sexual exploitation in the past few months.

This involves the youngsters being tricked, forced or manipulated into sexual activity.

Figures released by Wiltshire Council this week state that from April to June this year there were 34 children identified or thought to be at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

During the same period, following successful interventions and reduction of risk and vulnerability, 11 children have been removed and protected from this abuse.

A number of perpetrators have been identified and action taken against them by the police, council and partner agencies.

“Victims of abuse can be profoundly affected by the abuse often in emotional psychological trauma and require therapeutic support,” said a Wiltshire Council spokesman.

To support these young people, a child and adolescent mental health practitioner has been seconded to work with dedicated teams to crackdown on the abuse. This includes a specialist police unit, and a second missing children co-ordinator.

While Wiltshire Council works closely with Wiltshire Police and the Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board to help raise awareness and encourage people to report suspicions, training is also being given to taxi drivers and fast food outlets to spot signs of the abuse.

People can currently report concerns around CSE by contacting the multi agency safeguarding hub.

However, from this autumn there are plans to make it even easier for people to report their suspicions using the My Wiltshire App.

The Wiltshire Council website will also shortly be launching dedicated CSE pages and links to reporting possible cases as part of the campaign to raise awareness.

“We have come some way in tackling this heinous crime but there is always more we can do,” said Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services.

“We cannot stand still and these new initiatives are designed to ensure we are using every tool at our disposal to keep our children and young people safe.”

People with concerns can call MASH on 0300 4560108