Children's charity, Barnardo's, have warned that there is a very real threat of internal trafficking of UK children to London for sexual exploitation during the 2012 Olympic Games.
The charity that works towards caring for vulnerable children and young people say that 'anecdotal evidence shows that whenever there is a major event with a ‘party atmosphere’ child sexual exploitation can occur, though due to its hidden nature the true extent of this crime is unknown.'
Barnardo’s chief executive Anne Marie Carrie said:
"We know from the work we do on the ground with children that the risk of boys and girls being trafficked and sexually exploited during major events is a very real threat.
With a huge influx of visitors to the capital everyone needs to play their part in spotting the signs that sexual exploitation is taking place."
With a huge influx of visitors to the capital everyone needs to play their part in spotting the signs that sexual exploitation is taking place."
Barnardo's are calling for people to be extra vigilant during the Games especially those in the hospitality industry.
Signs that a young person is being sexually exploited include:
