CHILD sexual exploitation, human trafficking and forced marriage are just some of the hard-hitting topics which will be brought to the fore next week.

The district's annual Safeguarding Week will include a range of talks and performances to highlight these dangers and the local work being done to protect children and adults from abusers.

It provides an opportunity for schools and colleges to showcase the work they are doing around topics such as keeping safe online and forming safe relationships.

It will also help staff and volunteers from different agencies come together to develop their safeguarding skills.

Jonathan Phillips, independent chairman of the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board, said: "Abuse is an issue that can affect anyone and we know many people suffer silently.

"This week helps us to raise awareness of ways in which we can help make the lives of adults and children safer."

Michael Jameson, strategic director of children’s services at Bradford Council, added: "We view safeguarding as the most important responsibility we have.

"Holding a week of activities dedicated to developing the skills and knowledge of staff who work in this vital area is an important way in which we can share best practice amongst different agencies."

The week kicks off on Monday in Bradford's City Hall and City Park, when pupils from Tong High School will perform a show called Block, Report, Delete, Get Help!, which tells young people how to tackle online abuse.

There will also be a DVD presentation called In My Shoes, on the experiences of domestic violence victims, and a piece by students from Bradford College Performing Arts.

The keynote speaker will be Jasvinder Sanghera, the founder of Karma Nirvana - a charity which campaigns against forced marriage and honour-based violence.

Soroptimist International of Yorkshire is also placing a giant sculpture of a wrapped present in City Park all week, to raise awareness of human trafficking and grooming.

The GIFT box, which people can walk into, represents the idea that victims are lured in with promises but once inside, presented with a different reality.

Safeguarding Week 2014 is being co-ordinated by Bradford Safeguarding Children and Adults boards.