NSPCC Northern Ireland launches ‘The Full Story’ campaign to combat child sexual exploitation

NSPCC Northern Ireland launches campaign to help children at risk of sexual exploitation alongside partner agencies and other multiagency professionals. L-R: PSNI Detective Inspector Kelly Gallagher, SBNI Professional Officer Deirdre Grant, SBNI Director of Operations Helen McKenzie, Childline Team Manager Danielle Harris and NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager Gavin Campbell.

A series of workshops aimed at tackling child sexual exploitation (CSE) has been rolled out across Northern Ireland, as part of a new campaign by NSPCC Northern Ireland in partnership with the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI).

The initiative, named ‘The Full Story’, seeks to empower young people to recognise and report sexual exploitation by connecting them with the charity’s Childline service, which offers immediate, confidential support.

The workshops, delivered in collaboration with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the SBNI, have engaged key professionals from all five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) in Northern Ireland.

Held in locations including Omagh and Dungannon, the sessions have equipped health and social care staff, alongside multiagency professionals, with resources to raise awareness of CSE and guide young people towards support services.

Understanding the Campaign

‘The Full Story’ campaign provides an array of resources tailored to the Northern Ireland context, including videos, posters, and wallet cards. These materials aim to educate children and teenagers about what constitutes sexual exploitation and what healthy relationships look like.

The campaign also directs professionals to organisations and services signpost young people to relevant support services, including Childline, which operates two bases in Northern Ireland and can be contacted on 0800 1111. In emergencies, young people are advised to contact police on 101 or 999.

A key component of the campaign is a series of short films depicting real-life scenarios of sexual exploitation, drawn from actual Childline calls. One such film features 15-year-old Leah*, who is manipulated by her older boyfriend at a party. After being plied with alcohol, she is coerced into sexual acts with his friends under the guise of owing him a debt.

These films aim to illustrate the manipulative tactics used by perpetrators and the complex emotions victims may experience.

A Hidden Crisis

Child sexual exploitation remains a pervasive issue, often going unnoticed due to its covert nature. Between April 2021 and March 2024, Childline delivered 262 counselling sessions to young people in Northern Ireland where sexual abuse and exploitation, including online, were the primary concerns.

Many victims are unaware they are being exploited, manipulated through gifts, money, drugs, or affection into believing they are in a caring relationship.

Dairine Mooney, CSE lead at the Western HSCT, who attended a workshop in Omagh, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue:

“Child sexual exploitation has no place in our society. We must work together to protect our children from CSE whilst disrupting those responsible. Children are often unaware they are being exploited, making it unlikely they will seek help. This is happening both online and offline, with children manipulated into thinking they are loved through gifts or drugs.”

Similarly, Gareth Miller, CSE lead at the Southern HSCT, who attended the Dungannon workshop, underscored the need for collective action:

“Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, valued, and protected. Our responsibility is to educate, prevent, and ensure no child suffers in silence. Greater public and professional awareness, alongside services like Childline, is vital.”

Voices from the Frontline

Georgina McGlinchey, Childline’s Service Head, highlighted the complexity of sexual abuse:

“When children describe their experiences, they often don’t realise they are being groomed and abused. Some only understand the abuse years later, while others feel responsible or fear speaking out. This campaign is critical to ensure young people know sexual exploitation is never their fault and that Childline counsellors are there to help.”

Bernie McNally, Independent Chair of the SBNI, praised the initiative:

“We are delighted to support NSPCC Northern Ireland’s ‘The Full Story’ campaign. These workshops empower professionals to equip young people with the knowledge and resources to recognise and seek help for CSE. It is our collective responsibility to ensure every child feels safe, and initiatives like these are crucial.”

PSNI Detective Inspector Kelly Gallagher added:

“Child sexual exploitation is challenging to investigate as it often goes underreported, hidden in plain sight. Predators are highly manipulative, and children may not realise they are being abused. Alongside targeting perpetrators, we are working with youth workers, the hospitality sector, and parents to educate communities on spotting the signs of CSE.

“We urge anyone with concerns to report them, as we’d rather investigate a false alarm than miss a chance to safeguard a child.”

A Call to Action

The campaign’s name, ‘The Full Story’, reflects the conflicting emotions experienced by victims, who may feel both affection and fear towards their abusers. By fostering greater awareness and providing accessible support, NSPCC Northern Ireland and its partners hope to break the silence surrounding CSE and ensure young people know help is available.

As the campaign continues to roll out, professionals and communities are urged to play their part in protecting vulnerable children.

For those experiencing or at risk of sexual exploitation, Childline remains a lifeline, offering free, confidential support 24/7. Together, these efforts aim to create a safer future where no child suffers in silence.

*Name changed to protect identity.

For more information or to seek help, contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk. To report concerns, contact the PSNI on 101 or 999 in an emergency.