THE scale of the problem is frightening as is the revelation that we clearly do not know what is really going on in our communities.

Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation, claims CSE is happening in every town.

A senior detective says it is taking place “in all communities.” There is now an unprecedented demand on policing and safeguarding agencies.

The crisis demands more resources and crucially better intelligence and education. Otherwise the state will be failing in protecting the some of the vulnerable in society.

This will be a shameful failure of a most basic responsibility.