Report on sexual exploitation in Northern Ireland points to a number of promising protective measures

The research report published by Barnardo's and written by Dr Helen Beckett explores the nature and extent of the sexual exploitation of children and young people in Northern Ireland.

Chapter Eight 'Responding to Sexual Exploitation' documents a number of measures identified in the research to protect children at risk of or engaged in exploitative relationships.

These include prolonged engagement with young people, children feeling safe and 'at home' wherever they are placed, good attachment and relationship between the child and their worker and the use of disruptive techniques to break contact with abusers.

Access the full report 'Not a world away': The sexual exploitation of children and young people in Northern Ireland here