False Freedom

The DVD entitled ‘False Freedom’ was created by young people who volunteered through Barnardo’s NI Safe Choices service which supports young people vulnerable to sexual exploitation. The young people wrote and acted in the film which shows how grooming for exploitation can be played out in real life and depicts a young girl who finds herself in an exploitative relationship.

The aim of the DVD and the accompanying resource pack is to alert young people to the dangers around sexual exploitation and generate discussion about the issues with the aim of empowering young people to make safe choices for themselves.

Sarah, who took part in the making of the film said: “It was really important to me to help make other young people aware of how easily they can get caught up in a situation where they are being exploited. What can start out looking like fun can escalate to the point where you can feel out of your depth, trapped and scared. I just hope this film will raise awareness and stop other young people experiencing the same thing.”

Helen McKenzie from the Safeguarding Board NI said: “False Freedom is a powerful film which we hope will raise awareness of sexual exploitation and help keep children and young people safe from those who would want to groom and exploit them. Because it has been developed by young people from Northern Ireland who have experienced this form of abuse it is hard hitting and realistic and will resonate with other young people who might think it is something that doesn’t happen here. We are very grateful to the young people who volunteered to help produce the film and who also acted in it they have helped produce something that will have a positive impact and help protect other young people.”

The DVD was funded by the Public Health Agency as part of the CSE Knowledge Transfer Partnership NI and the resource pack is jointly funded by the Safeguarding Board NI, PSNI and St James Place Foundation.

The DVD and resource pack is free of charge and can be used in any setting from schools to youth clubs and is available from Barnardo’s NI. For further information contact: [email protected]