As part of efforts towards curbing rising cases of child sexual abuse the world over, an international non-profit organisation, Jose Foundation in collaboration with United Kingdom experts has presented to the public a book on child sexual exploitation (CSE) which aims at understanding its consequences drawing from the Rotherham experience.
The book entitled Child Sexual Exploitation after Rotherham: Understanding the Consequences and Recommendations for Practice, was launched at the Kingston University, London.
The book was written to address the issues of child sexual exploitation (CSE) that has gained ground in several countries, using the experiences of fighting the menace in Rotherham, United Kingdom.
Organisers of the book launch said the presentation was also part of the planned workshop on CSE slated for Abuja next month. The presentation will be in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The 310-page book is co-authored by Adele Gladman and Angie Heal, gives an insight to the horrific experiences of organised child sexual exploitations. It will help survivors of CSE to share their experiences in order to help professionals get a better understanding of sexual exploitation, abuse and process in which it was groomed.
The authors say it is better to hear about CSE from the victims’ point of view, give presentations and talk to professionals, families, communities and others to raise awareness which will change the way the society has failed children.
In a press statement, President, Jose Foundation, Prince Martins Abhulimhen, said the book is a key apparatus to strengthen the awareness against child sexual exploitation in Nigeria.
He further said a similar presentation will be done in Abuja on peculiar cases of child sexual abuses in Nigeria, outcome of which will be published in different Nigerian languages to sensitise Nigerians to the dangers of the menace.
He lamented that child sexual abuse is on the rise in the country while concerted effort at addressing it is lethargic.
“We cannot pretend that child sexual exploitation is not ravaging our society. Daily reports in the country show that everyday a child is sexually abused by one adult or the other.
“The situation is getting worse; with father sleeping with daughter. That, in some cases, results in death or permanent injury. This is aside the trauma the kids go through in their life time. We cannot fold our hands as individuals and as a nation to allow these atrocities to fester in our country,” Abhulimhen said.
The occasion was attended by the United Kingdom’s Commissioner for Children, Mrs Anne Longfield (OBE).