Inspector Mark Clarke, Officer in Charge of the Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU) – In recent weeks the Bermuda Police Service has noticed a marked increase in sex based and exploitative crimes involving young females.

In the past 6 days the Service has received 9 reports involving the sexual exploitation of young teenagers, many of these reports vary in their nature.

Several of these reports indicated the victims have been lured to locations by persons known to them where upon they have been given alcohol and or drugs.

Some of these assaults have involved persons unknown to the victim and took advantage of the location where they inappropriately touched, molested or had their private space intruded upon.

The internet has become a preying ground for sex offenders trying to lure victims. Offenders will try to get specific information without directly asking for it. For example, they may ask if your child plays on sports teams, which would eventually lead to a discussion of where your child played these games. Ultimately, they want to try to set up a meeting.

Any person who by means of a communication medium, communicates with a child for the purpose of sexually exploiting a child is guilty of an offence.

Exploiting our young by these predators is not a new phenomenon. These alarming behaviors will always be unacceptable to those who have the responsibility to protect our children.

The law is clear; the Criminal Code states that any person who sexually assaults, exploits, lures, administers any noxious substance i.e. alcohol, drugs is guilty of an offence.

The Child Act states that any person who places a child in significant harm, willfully abuses or mistreats a child is guilty of an offence.

The sexual exploitation of our children are serious offences and will never be tolerated.

Society should never consider this an acceptable behavior.

During the remainder of our summer season we request that all parents know at all times where there children are.

To those who wish to sexually exploit our children. Know this … we will not tolerate nor stand idly and not act. We will investigate. All proven offenders will expect a court appearance.  

Simple basic preventative steps will minimize the risk of our children being sexually exploited.

Sergeant Sharnita Tankard (VPU) – Children are usually molested by people they know - a friend, friend of the family or close relative.

Usually children are not violently attacked or physically hurt during such sexual assaults; however, the emotional damage can be severe. Children seldom lie when talking about such matters.

When telling you about the attack, children can either appear awkward and ill at ease or relate the details without problems.

Alternatively they may not say anything at all. Instead you might observe changes in your child's behavior or reluctance on their part to be with a certain person.

If your child claims to have been sexually molested, tell him or her that he/she did the right thing in telling you about the incident. Give your child your undivided attention and listen closely to what he or she has to say.

Let the child know that you are sorry and will protect him or her in the future.

Give him/her advice to reduce the risks of becoming a repeat victim.

Do not allow requests to sleep outside of the family home to remain unchallenged. Confirm this request with the opposing parents. Determine who their friends are, ask clarifying questions, demand locations and contact information telephone numbers.