Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Raise awareness of child exploitation and abuse with #LookCloser in your area

Any child can become a victim of exploitation and abuse: from sexual abuse, to being forced to work for no money, or made to sell drugs from properties taken over by criminals; these children need your help to protect them from horrific abuse and lifelong trauma.

At Neighbourhood Watch, we as neighbours are in a position to spot the signs and report them, so we can keep children safe. That’s why The Children’s Society is asking everyone to #LookCloser.

If something doesn’t feel right, it might not be. Report it now to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you’re unsure you can call the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000.


Some of the signs to look out for include:

  • Unaccompanied children visiting a house where only adults live
  • Young people who appear anxious, frightened, angry, showing signs of neglect or displaying other behaviours/injuries that make you worried
  • Increased anti-social behaviour at a property
  • Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
  • Unfamiliar vehicles at the property

To find out more about what you can do and what to look out for, as well as to access free resources, visit childrenssociety.org.uk/lookcloser.


UK Faces New Wave of Drink Spiking: Injection Attacks

As violence against women once again fades from the public eye, a disturbing new trend in drink spiking has emerged – injection attacks. The...