A Perthshire politician has shared his support for a campaign to highlight the warning signs that a child or young person might be at risk when out at night in Scotland.
Barnardo’s and Crimestoppers’ Nightwatch campaign draws attention to the fact that child exploitation takes many forms but knowing what to look out for could make all the difference in protecting a child at risk.
The campaign is aimed at those who work in the evenings and shows how frontline workers in the night-time economy can play an important role in helping keep young people safe from sexual exploitation.
Central to the campaign is the message that perpetrators are not always easy to spot, but residents can help by being vigilant and knowing the signs to spot.
These might include children and young people: going by taxi to a hotel or other venue with adults who do not seem to be family members; being taken to a hotel room by, or visited by, one or more adults who do not seem to be family members; being out late (or at times when they should be at school) with older adults who do not seem to be family members; being bought alcoholic drinks by adults although young person is already intoxicated; being bought food or drinks by an older adult whom they seem to see as a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Commenting, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley said: “Both Barnardo’s and Crimestoppers do excellent work, so this collaboration to protect vulnerable young people and children is a welcome step to ending exploitation once and for all.
"The Nightwatch hotline is 100 per cent anonymous and you can call 24/7 on 0800 389 0131 or fill in a simple online form and tell their trained team what you know.
“Anyone who suspects a child might be at risk should speak up.
"But the service appreciates that suspected perpetrators who may enter your pub, taxi, nightclub, hotel or even takeaway shop may appear threatening or you may even know them by name.
“This can often make it hard to talk to the police - and that’s why it’s good for you to know that they have never broken their anonymity promise.
“If you have concerns about a young person or a situation you have witnessed, then I would urge you to call the Barnardo’s Nightwatch hotline.
“But as always, if you feel a young person is in immediate danger, then don’t hesitate to call 999.”
