A HARD-hitting drama which portrays the dangers of child sexual exploitation (CSE) has begun a tour in the county as part of Wiltshire Council’s zero tolerance campaign.

Forty performances of the drama, which portrays how boys or girls can be groomed for sexual exploitation, have been commissioned by Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB) for secondary schools and community venues running until Friday, May 8.

The first performance of Chelsea’s Choice took place at County Hall in Trowbridge on Monday.

It now begins a tour of secondary schools throughout the county and will be shown to thousands of schoolchildren.

A community performance is being given Wednesday, April 22, at Melksham Assembly Hall from 7pm.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services, who attended the play on Monday, said: “This play really drives home the dangers of CSE and how it can occur anywhere.

"It’s a very powerful way to raise awareness, to help people recognise the signs and encourage people to report their concerns.”

CSE is a form of child abuse which is happening nationally and could mean children and young people living in Wiltshire are at risk.

Victims of CSE can come from any socio-economic background. It involves children and young people being forced or manipulated into sexual activity in exchange for something – such as money, alcohol, drugs, gifts, or accommodation – or perhaps affection or status.

Those exploiting the child or young person have power over them because of their age, gender, intellect and physical strength.

In a statement Wiltshire Council said the authority, WCSB and its partners are aware of the risks of CSE and the council is committed to working with partners to raise awareness of CSE, identify victims, and prosecute abusers to help eliminate it.

As part of this Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police are forming a specialist team to protect victims and ensure abusers are caught. A major campaign is also underway to raise awareness in schools and with the general public.

If you are concerned about a child in Wiltshire and want to speak to someone, contact the MASH team on 0300 4560108 or out of hours on 0845 6070888. If you consider the incident to be an emergency call 999.