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Surge in child exploitation cases

2 mins read Social Care
The number of suspected cases of child exploitation in the UK rose by nearly half last year, latest figures show.
Experts warn that criminals may target children isolated due to coronavirus. Picture: Adobe Stock
Experts warn that criminals may target children isolated due to coronavirus. Picture: Adobe Stock

Annual data from the National Crime Agency on the number of people referred into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) – the system used to identify UK trafficking cases – shows there has been a 45 per cent increase in the number of children identified as potential victims over the past year.

A total of 4,550 children were identified by UK authorities as potential victims of trafficking in 2019, up from 3,137 in 2018. Additionally, nearly half of all victims identified were children – in line with findings from the previous year.

Professionals working with vulnerable children they suspect of being exploited are required to report cases to the NRM. Once reported, cases are assessed with support put in place for those that are confirmed.

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