CARING for the alleged victims of child abuse will remain the priority for agencies and police.

But the job of identifying the extent of the abuse – or if a child has been trafficked – is far from easy.

Trafficked children may have been hidden over a period of time.

They may be scared or they may not even realise they have been a victim of trafficking.

A NSPCC spokesman said: “Potential victims of trafficking may not be forthcoming with information and may tell their stories with obvious errors.

“Some traffickers compose stories for victims to learn, in case they are approached by the authorities, which can lead to stories with errors or lack of reality.”

Victims’ early accounts may also be affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which can result in symptoms of hostility, aggression, difficulty in recalling details or entire episodes and problems concentrating.

The NSPCC said victims may be unwilling to tell what happened because of fear of retribution or suspicion of the authorities, coupled with a lack of awareness that they are there to help.

The alleged victims from yesterday’s raids have been referred to the local authority children’s services, who say they have undertaken necessary safeguarding measures.

Paul Smith, spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We have already been working to support some of the alleged victims and their families.

Obviously this process will be replicated with others going forward.

“We will assess each individual’s needs and act accordingly on a case-by-case basis.

“There will be an important role for social carers in providing practical and moral support to alleged victims and their families at this difficult time through the police interview processes.”

As much information as possible about the child is recorded.

Decisions about whether a child is an alleged victim of trafficking may be made by trained professionals from the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) or the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

Louise Chapman, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children Young People, said a close relationship between agencies was key.

She said: “Thames Valley Police and the Oxfordshire County Council’s children’s social care team linked up swiftly when it became apparent that it would be dealing with an investigation that centred on child exploitation.

“This prompt action allowed children’s social care workers to work in close partnership with Thames Valley Police, with officers from the county council being seconded to the police, working from police premises.

“The county council has assisted in what has been a complex investigation leading to yesterday’s events. Its focus has been, and will continue to be, on the care for alleged victims.”