Processes are in place to protect children who it is feared are being exploited sexually.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said that at present there were no children subject to a child protection plan due to ’risks associated with child sexual exploitation’.

But, in response to a Tynwald question from Tanya August-Hanson MLC, he said that in any such cases there was a set procedure in place with the Safeguarding Board.

The police and the children and families section of the Department of Health and Social Care would work together.

’Suspected child sexual exploitation is suspected child abuse therefore the process is the same one used to plan and investigate other types of child abuse although the content of the discussions and approach to investigations may differ,’ he said.

’If it is suspected that the exploitation is organised across a number of individuals and/or likely to impact a number of children/young people the complex abuse process of the Safeguarding Board would be utilised.’

This would involve senior officers and ’careful mapping’ of all possible children at risk. He added: ’Connections between potential abusers is required and detailed plans formulated to ensure the safety of all children during the process.’

The minister said in instances where there was a concern but not enough evidence, ’discreet planning’ would take place and ’the known risks may be responded to within a wider plan designed to keep a young person safe’.

Mr Ashford confirmed that a property has been identified to develop a sexual assault referral centre for victims.

Plans were now in place to develop the building and recruit ’an appropriate workforce to deliver the forensic examinations and support required’. Police, the DHSC and the Department of Home Affairs had previously agreed a referral service was needed for adult and child victims in the island, with the centre forming part of that.