Taxi drivers trained to spot signs of abuse

TAXI drivers in Carmarthenshire are being trained to spot signs of abuse to help raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse.

Hundreds of taxi drivers have already completed the safeguard training which helps protect vulnerable people. Passenger assistants are also being given training as part of their licensing requirements.

The training is in line with Carmarthenshire Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Policy.

Vulnerable people do not have the capacity or ability to understand what is happening, this may be down to drugs/ alcohol, mental health, learning disability or age. They may also have communication difficulties such as deaf, blind or language barriers.

The safeguard training covers children and adults are risk of abuse, violence against women, domestic abuse and child exploitation. It also includes human trafficking, modern slavery, county lines and counter terrorism.

At the end of the training people should know how to spot signs that vulnerable people may be at risk, know how to report their concerns and who to contact whilst protecting themselves.

Carmarthenshire Council’s executive board member, councillor Philip Hughes said: “This training helps taxi drivers recognise potential issues as they are the eyes and ears of the community and should they have any concerns they will know which authorities to contact.”