British govt earmarks40 mln pounds to tackle child abuse

The UK government today announced a 40 million pounds package to protect children from sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
It includes the launch of a new Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, an extra 20 million pounds for the National Crime Agency to tackle online child sexual exploitation, 2.2 million pounds for organisations working to protect children at risk of trafficking and the launch of Independent Child Trafficking Advocates (ICTAs) in three early-adopter sites across the UK.
UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced the measures after visiting 'Safer Futures' in Salford, Greater Manchester, a counselling centre for victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The counselling centre is run by Barnardo's, which heads the Centre of Expertise and delivers the ICTA service.
Writing for Mumsnet, Rudd said: "Children should be able to grow up free from the horrors of sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Something that should go without saying, but sadly that's not the case.
"Since 2010, the Government has done more than any other to tackle these horrific offences. We have increased support for victims of sexual abuse, invested in training and technology to improve law enforcement's response to abuse both on and offline, and brought in a tougher inspection regime to ensure all front-line professions are meeting their child protection duties.

"But there is more to do, the measures I am announcing today will further improve our ability to protect children, and under my watch I am determined to bring those that would try to steal their childhood to justice," Rudd said.

The Centre of Expertise, a consortium of health, law enforcement and social care professionals, charities and academics, will receive 7.5 million pounds until 2020.
It will become the definitive source of information and guidance to those tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation on the front line.
The Home Office's Child Trafficking Protection Fund will today award nearly 2.2 million pounds to seven charities for projects protecting vulnerable children in the UK and overseas who are at risk of trafficking.

The projects cover a range of proposals including tailored support for trafficking victims from various cultures, developing skills and expertise in local areas, and a specialist accommodation pilot.
Independent Child Trafficking Advocates will provide specialist support and act in the best interests of trafficked children. The service will initially be provided by Barnardo's in Wales, Hampshire and Greater Manchester ahead of full national rollout.
Barnardo's Chief Executive, Javed Khan, said: "Through the Centre of Expertise we will develop a deeper understanding of this abuse so that more children can be protected and helped to recover. We will use our collective experience and expertise to develop a greater understanding of what works in the fight against child sexual abuse and to improve responses.