There was a significant gap in knowledge at both a regional and national level (and to a lesser extent local level) with regards to the reporting rates of CSE; intelligence picture and how this varied across areas; and the key gaps. To help bridge this gap, the regional analysts and coordinators were centrally commissioned with the production of a regional problem profile.

Subsequent PTF funding enabled the network of regional co-ordinators and analysts to continue for two years ending 31 March 2018, complemented by a Senior Analyst to coordinate national level analysis.

In April 2017, colleagues from Victim Support and The Children’s Society joined the network to focus our response to preventing CSA/E: embedding experienced third sector workers passionate about the voice of the child and protecting vulnerable victims, into ROCUs.

This innovative approach has broken new ground in law enforcement, and significantly changed both strategic and tactical response to CSA/E.

As part of the contract, the Prevention Officers have delivered both national and regional CSA/E Prevention Strategies to assist local networks and practitioners in tailoring their response, based on the contents of the aforementioned problem profiles. Alongside this the Prevention Officers have undertaken significant activity to raise awareness, improve practice and contribute to systemic changes in our collective approach to CSA/E.

Throughout the funding period the network has had the opportunity to test out new ways of working and this website has been created to share some of the learning, resources and work undertaken in the hope that it will influence practice and achieve better outcomes for children and young people affected by child sexual abuse or exploitation.