Night workers urged to report concerns via dedicated helpline

Two major charities have joined forces to combat child sexual exploitation.

Barnardo’s Scotland and Crimestoppers will launch a dedicated phone service for reporting child sexual exploitation with support from Police Scotland.

As well as providing a dedicated phone service to report abuse, the Nightwatch Hotline plans to highlight the issue of child exploitation to some of the key industries, especially those working through the night.

Bar staff, hoteliers, taxi and bus drivers as well as emergency departments in hospitals will be asked to become more aware of exploitation.

Daljeet Dagon, programme manager for Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Our Nightwatch Hotline will provide a safe and secure means for workers in the night time economy and the public to share any worries or concerns they have.

“In addition, this line will also provide those working with children and the community a clear procedure for issues they feel they cannot raise directly within their own organisations.”

Between 1 April and 30 November this year, Crimestoppers passed on 118 pieces of information to the police relating to sexual offences against a child under the age of 16.

Angela Parker, Scotland Manager for the charity Crimestoppers said the service will allow the public to speak up about concerns about child exploitation anonymously.

She added: “Having passed on over 100 pieces of information to Police Scotland since April, this service will be vital in ensuring the public know they have an outlet to speak up about information or suspicions they might have on a young person being sexually exploited.

Call Nightwatch Hotline on 0800 389 0131. For more information visit www.barnardosnightwatch.com