Parties could put youngsters at risk of sexual exploitation...

Teenagers going to parties could be at risk of sexual exploitation. Dave Knapper explores the issue...

PARTIES are usually seen as an opportunity for friends to meet up, enjoy a few drinks and let their hair down in the company of people they know and trust.


But officials are growing concerned that some gatherings in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are providing opportunities for individuals to sexually exploit youngsters.
Booze – and, in some cases, drugs – are thought to be made available, making those under age even more vulnerable and in danger of being pressurised into sexual activity.
Now such issues have resulted in safeguarding boards, the police, local authorities, schools and health organisations across the county joining up to ensure young people are not put into situations they should not be in.
A campaign has been launched – Know About CSE – which has seen the agencies work together to protect those who are vulnerable and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
As part of this ongoing campaign, an initiative called Party Animal has been rolled out to warn youngsters that, in the words of organisers, 'nothing comes for free'.
Youngsters are being told, in no uncertain terms, that if they are being offered free lifts, booze and drugs then the chances are the provider is grooming them.