NOTA News Newsletter July 2018 1

Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The
Minister for Crime, Safety and
Vulnerability launched the 2018
Global Threat Assessment into
CSE; highlighting the growing
dangers posed to children and
young people and the expanding
community of technological
offenders. We currently live in
a generation where children
and young people use all forms
of social media and platforms
across the internet to display
everything about their lives -
providing the whole world with
an ‘open window’ to their lives.
Many of these children and young
people want to be the next new
celebrity that has found fame
through social media, displaying
what they deem to be ‘the best
possible version’ of themselves.
The world of technology changes
on a daily basis; with new
apps and ways to connect, live
streaming, talking with strangers
across the world, playing
online games and facilitating
various other aspects of online
connectivity. These new methods
of communication often come
with higher levels of encryption,
with more secretive, dangerous
and adventurous ways to
connect. This in itself creates
the perfect opportunity for those
who want to abuse children to
learn everything about them. Our
children and young people are
constantly exposed to indecent
sexual images and videos - often
containing children themselves,
abuse, exploitation, grooming,
sextortion and blackmail.
Alongside these dangers, children
and young people also have a
fear of disclosing OSEA, due
to messages that are perhaps
unintentionally portrayed by
parents, peers, their communities,
the media and many others. In
addition, sadly, it seems that
OSEA is seen to be less serious
or harmful; however, the impact of
trauma upon the victim can be just
as serious as any other form
of abuse.
The TARGET Project has, and
will continue to, assist in the
education and support of the
children and young people in
this unknown technologically
advancing world. Professionals
working with children and
young people need to gain an
understanding of the world they
live in and provide appropriate
interventions at appropriate
stages, while recognising that
even though young people may
possess knowledge on OSEA
it does not always prevent
problems arising. While there
must, of course, also be a focus
on disrupting abusive behaviour,
raising awareness and increasing
insight into online dangers and
providing young people with
the opportunity to critically think
about situations, and encouraging
insight to the dangers posed,
which may potentially assist in the
prevention and recovery of online
sexual exploitation and abuse.
I am currently conducting further
research into the impact and
ever-growing concerns of OSEA.
As a project we welcome other
professionals with knowledge and
expertise in the field to contact us
to assist in developing a better
understanding of OSEA and the
trauma impact it places upon
children and young people.
Hayley Brown
Manager, Service Six
TARGET Helpline:
Mondays and Fridays 4.30-8pm
Helpline Number (contactable
via text, phone and WhatsApp):
07718 003219
Email: target@servicesix.
co.uk
Facebook: Ollie Target
Website: www.servicesix.co.uk
TARGET App:
Now available for FREE in all
App Stores
Search for ‘TARGET Online Ollie’
Twitter:
@ServiceSix1
www.nota.co.uk conference@nota.co.uk @notaevents
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