Project: Prevention, Protection and Integration of the Human Trafficking Victims in Serbia

04Sep2014

Police officers and PCSOs were out in force at Burton and South Derbyshire College's freshers' fair to promote Staffordshire County Council's Treated Badly and East Staffordshire Borough Council's Stop The Traffik campaigns.

The event was used to encourage youngsters to 'stay safe and build happy, safe relationships', as well as pointing out the signs of potential child sexual exploitation.

Sergeant Bob Champeau, from Staffordshire Police, said: "We are happy to support our partners and highlight these areas where young people may find themselves in abusive or exploitative relationships.

"I would like to add that all young persons are entitled to respect and that violence in any relationship is never acceptable.

"We will always make every effort to protect vulnerable persons from a violent relationship.

"If anyone would like support they can contact Staffordshire Police by using the 101 number.

"Alternatively, there are a number of excellent partners and organisations who can offer assistance and help, and they will often allow victims to speak with them in a private and confidential setting."

It comes after the Mail revealed that the Stop the Traffik campaign was being opened up to taxi drivers in their role as the 'eyes and ears' of the community.

The campaign has identified that cabbies could be among the few groups of people who come into contact with victims of trafficking. Posters and vehicle stickers will be given to private hire operators for 354 vehicles licensed within East Staffordshire.

Sgt Champeau is set to present the idea to taxi drivers at a meeting tonight.

More information on both campaigns is available by visiting www.stopthetraffik.org