Brook statement in response to the publication of the Coffey report

Published: 30 October 2014

In response to the publication today (30 October 2014) of “Real Voices: Child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester. An independent report by Ann Coffey, MP”, Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Brook, said:

Brook welcomes this important report from Ann Coffey MP which sets out what can and should be done to tackle child sexual exploitation. 

For too long too many young people – particularly young women – have been written off by institutions and organisations which should have protected them; their experiences dismissed, their voices unheard and the abuse considered their fault. This is unacceptable.

It is adults' responsibility to protect children and young people by ensuring we all know the signs of exploitation. Most importantly we must have no-nonsense conversations with young people so they know the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and trust they can speak with confidence and will be listened to by adults if they are being hurt, exploited or abused.

No more excuses. We must urgently do everything we can to build a modern culture in which young people and their sexuality is valued. A culture that will not tolerate abuse and exploitation in any shape or form.

For media enquiries please contact Brook's press office on 07789 682831 or email press@brook.org.uk

Notes to editors

Brook believes that young people should have access to great sexual health services and wellbeing support.

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and education programmes, reaching nearly 235,000 young people nationwide every year.
 
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