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In order to expose the brutal reality of child sexual exploitation, The Children's Society and VCCP have launched a shocking yet thought-provoking short film titled 'Growing Pains.'

The video, filmed by Emmy Award winning 'Luther' director Sam Miller, aims to reveal the horrific impact of sexual abuse on children and how it can take place anywhere, to the average child, in the average home. The film documents familiar and significant milestones reminiscent of any person's childhood through the motif of a height chart marked on the wall, which we later sent out as direct mail in full, child size height. Beginning with innocent memories such as being tall enough to ride the roller-coaster, the film then takes a significantly darker tone, as the camera pans up and focuses on memories of sexual abuse and torment.

The 90 second film launches this week online and features on The Children’s Society website. It is part of the charity's Seriously Awkward campaign, which calls upon the Government to ensure that police have the necessary means to protect 16-17 year olds from sexual exploitation. Furthermore, to consent to take drugs and consume alcohol is not equivalent to, nor can it be confused with, consent to engage in sexual acts.

The TV was supported by digital and social along with a direct mail campaign in the form of a full size height chart detailing Emily's harrowing story (chart pictured as top image).