Barnardos says children in NI are not exempt from exploitation

Beyond the Shadows, launched on Friday, is aimed at children between the ages of 12 and 18.

It seeks to raise awareness of sexual exploitation, offer safety to those under threat and help prevent it.

Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin of Barnardos said sexual exploitation was a "hidden problem".

"Just because people don't see it on the streets doesn't mean it is not happening here, as a recent BBC Newsline investigation highlighted," she said.

"Our first task has been to initiate an awareness training programme on the issue and, to date, we have spoken to over 1,000 people working in the areas of social/youth work, education, housing and members of the PSNI.

"We need to challenge the denial about what is happening here; we now know from our work that this is a real issue for some children and young people. "

Lynda Wilson, Director of Barnardos Northern Ireland, said the organisation had a track record of working in the area of children abused through prostitution throughout the UK.

The charity will launch its new service on Friday

"It has become clear to us that both boys and girls are facing danger and exploitation from this and new technologies like the internet," she said.

"From one service in 1994, we now have 14 dedicated services working with children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation.

"It is important that Northern Ireland now has its own service as we are not exempt from this problem."