Devon and Cornwall Police has collaborated with the Solomon Drama Group and schools across the region to provide education around child sexual exploitation.

The Solomon Group presented a short play and workshop to Year 9 and 10 pupils in 20 Devon and Cornwall schools.

‘Skin Deep’ tells the story of two teenage girls who are attracted to boys from rival gangs. Themes covered include child sexual exploitation, gang culture, abuse, online grooming and personal safety.

Following the play, the drama group ran an interactive workshop with students who were encouraged to voice their opinions about the play, ask questions and express any concerns they had about issues raised.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Parker said: ’This initiative has been very effective in achieving our aim of raising awareness around child sexual exploitation to young people.’

Managing Director of the Solomon Group, Forest Paget, said: ’Drama is an excellent way of illustrating and communicating sensitive issues to young people. We were delighted to be invited to perform Skin Deep in Devon and Cornwall schools by Devon and Cornwall Police. The feedback we have had from the schools has been really positive.’

Help and information around child sexual information is available at: www.dc.police.uk/CSE.

Any young person wanting confidential help or advice about themselves or others can call or text the Young Person’s Helpline for free: 116000.