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A YOUTH programme is joining forces with charities Crimestoppers and Barnardo’s Scotland to raise awareness of child neglect.

Fearless is encouraging young people to pass on what they know or suspect anonymously during the coronavirus pandemic, which has left hundreds of thousands of children and young people across Scotland at risk.

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.

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“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.”

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 experiencing harm or neglect are advised to speak to a trusted adult or contact Childline on 0800 1111.

More information can be found – bit.ly/neglect2020