Hundreds of people, from organisations working across the UK, have gathered in Cardiff's City Hall as part of a shared commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation.

Jan Coles (Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention Manager), Cllr Graham Hinchey
(Cabinet Member - Children and Families) and Cllr Susan Elsmore
(Cabinet Member - Social Care, Health and Wellbeing)

The organisations joined Cardiff Council in forming the Cardiff Child Sexual Exploitation Professional Interest Group in 2015, and this meeting is the group's largest to date.

Speaking at the event, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Graham Hinchey said: "Child sexual exploitation is a criminal act that has a devastating impact on children.

"The Cardiff Child Sexual Exploitation Professional Interest Group is a symbol of the commitment and the determination to do everything possible to put a stop to sexual exploitation.

"Through resolute determination by all professionals and organisations that are in contact with children, working together to create one single integrated strategy, we can effectively deal with the complex issues that child sexual exploitation involves.

"Colleagues working in health, education, social services, criminal justice agencies and the many third sector organisations here in Cardiff, as well as in other areas, can each make a valuable contribution.

"This is an opportunity to learn from each other, challenge each other and inspire each other to continue doing everything you can to put a stop to this abuse.

"Child sexual exploitation is a stain on cities and communities across the country and will not be tolerated - not in our city, not in our communities, not to our children."