Theatre Production Commissioned For Bradford Schools Results In Abuse Reports

Tuesday, 16 February 2016 11:22

A theatre production which highlights the risks and realities of child sexual exploitation has received rave reviews from students and teachers as well as resulting in a number of young people coming forward to report abuse.

'Somebody's Sister, Somebody's Daughter' was one of a number of awareness-raising initiatives commissioned by Bradford Council as part of a district-wide multi-agency strategy to prevent and tackle child sexual exploition (CSE).

According to figures from theatre group GW Theatre, there have been 48 performances to Year 10 (aged 14-15-year-olds) students in schools and community venues across the district, meaning 6,267 people have seen the play.

A total of 920 students completed a questionnaire, before the play 58 per cent of the students knew what was meant by sexual exploitation but when asked afterwards 100 per cent felt they understood the term.

The play also resulted in 12 young people coming forward to either disclose they had been victims of CSE, ask for help and support or express concern about themselves or others.

Feedback from Bradford schools described the production as "powerful", "perfectly pitched for our students", "excellent" and "of a high quality".

The Council's Executive agreed in September 2015 to commission a number of preventative initiatives around CSE using one-off funding of £250K. Others included work with Barnardos to raise awareness amongst boys and work by PACE (Parents against Child Exploitation) to support parents of children experiencing or at risk of CSE.

Supt Vince Firth, of Bradford District Police, said: "We are always looking for innovative ways to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and how to report it. It is encouraging that a number of young people have come forward either to report potential offences to us or to seek support or advice following these theatre productions. This is a great example of partnership working towards our ultimate aim of keeping children safe."

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.