Runaway children fleeing abuse at home often then abused again, report reveals

More than 77,000 children run away every year – often because they have been ­sexually exploited, says research released today.1

Teen runaways take the decision to flee their homes because of abuse, but then risk being abused again because they are vulnerable.

Research released today by Barnardo’s and Comic Relief suggests the Government needs to do more to ensure their safety.

More than 40 runaways were interviewed for the report.

Of those, 19 children were found on the streets in areas such as parks and where food is given to homeless people.

Nearly half of the sample group said they are not receiving any help to address their running away or sexual exploitation.

One of those who agreed to take part was Lily, who admitted feeling forced to have sex with older men as a way of avoiding difficult situations.

“If kids are on the street, if they run away or their parents kick them out, there are men out there who will take advantage of them,” she said.

“If you’ve got nowhere else to go, you’ll have sex with them. It’s better than sleeping out and getting raped by someone you don’t know who could do anything to you.”

Barnardo’s director of children’s services Sam Monaghan said the vulnerability of runaway children makes them easy prey for criminals who “ want to manipulate them for their own means”.

The stories of these young people paint a bleak picture of the realities facing children who run away,” she said.

“When a child runs away it should act as a warning to everyone concerned with their welfare.

"We need to proactively look for these children and act decisively to stop them falling into situations which can leave their lives spiralling out of control.

“The ease with which the author of the report was able to find young people is a sobering reminder to us all. It is essential we get these children first, because if we don’t then those who want to abuse them will.

“It is paramount that we do not overlook the vulnerability of children who run away from home or care.”

Barnardo’s is calling on the government to urgently analyse the risks faced by runaway children and the level of support provided.

Info Obtained From: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/runaway-children-fleeing-abuse-home-2056150