A CAMPAIGN which aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation will be promoted in cinemas across Essex during half term.

The May half term holidays will see the successful I Didn’t Know campaign being promoted to further raise awareness of CSE among young people and their parents.

CSE is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

The campaign aims to increase the understanding of CSE and demonstrate how to recognise it and what to do to get help and support.

Deputy chief constable Matthew Horne said: "There is no more important issue for Essex Police than protecting children from crimes such as child sexual exploitation.

"This campaign is about raising awareness of CSE, what to look out for, how to spot the signs and where to get help.

"This crime affects people from every community from diverse backgrounds and by getting our message into cinemas across the county we hope to reach those who need help.”

The countywide campaign launched in March as a partnership project between Essex, Southend and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Boards and Essex Police.

The campaign will continue to run locally with each district in Essex supporting the campaign in their communities.

Download and print resources by visiting the Essex Police website and support the campaign on social media by using the hashtag #KnowAboutCSE.