SUPPORT for women to give them the confidence to speak out against child sexual exploitation (CSE) within their communities has been announced by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

The local government minister said £250,000 was being made available following concerns about under-reporting of CSE amongst Pakistani-heritage communities.

The Women's Empowerment Fund for voluntary groups is among several new Government measures aimed at prevention, better supporting victims and bringing offenders to book.

"Giving women and girls a voice – and importantly the confidence to use it to challenge sexual exploitation – is one of the ways we can address a culture of denial," said Mr Hopkins.

"We are completely committed to challenging this abhorrent behaviour wherever it occurs and this new fund will support that work."