Speak up on child harm
Barnardo’s Scotland and Fearless – the youth programme of independent charity Crimestoppers – have joined forces to raise awareness of the signs of child harm and neglect.
Both organisations are enouraging young people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang to pass on what they know or their suspicions 100 per cent anonymously.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of thousands of children and young people across Scotland are without the safety net and care of schools and youth groups and the charities want to ensure that child protection concerns don’t go unreported.
The campaign delivered through Fearless.org aims to equip all young people with an understanding of the #FearlessFive signs of harm and neglect.
These are the signs they can look out for among their friends and in their wider communities:
The child or young person might seem unclean or hungry; be left alone at home for long periods of time; have unexplained bruises or injuries; seem withdrawn or depressed; live with parents or carers who are often drunk or under the influence of drugs; or confide in you that they are being hurt or forced to do things against their will.
Lyndsay McDade, senior youth projects officer for Crimestoppers, said: “At a time when home should be the safest possible place for a child or young person, we know that some of them are being neglected and harmed there.
“We are urging young people to tell our charity who they know or suspect is responsible for that harm through our website Fearless.org.
“We guarantee you’ll stay 100 per cent anonymous.
“We can’t trace IP addresses or any contact details that could identify you; nobody will ever know the information came from you.
“But your information could save a child or young person’s life.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to teachers, social workers, health visitors, police and charity partners whose commitment to ensuring child protection continues through this challenging time.”
Daljeet Dagon, national programme manager for CSE for Barnardo’s Scotland, added: “Child sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect and harm affects some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.
“While the nation is in lockdown, it doesn’t mean that this isn’t taking place or that children and young people are at any less risk of harm; it just means it may be taking place under different circumstances.
“It’s important that we all stay vigilant and recognise the warning signs and know what to do if we have any concerns about a child or young person’s safety.
“Young people can help protect their peers by recognising the signs of neglect and harm and by passing on any suspicions they have through fearless.org .
“This offers a safe and secure means for them to share any information they may have.”
Both charities ask all young people to speak up to Fearless.org, Barnardo’s Scotland or a trusted adult if they think someone is hurting a child or young person.