Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse

Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse

In the shadows of the night, street sex workers are playing a crucial role in assisting law enforcement and a charitable organization in safeguarding the most vulnerable children in a city. These women serve as the eyes and ears on the streets after dark, providing vital information on child exploitation to Bristol’s Night Light initiative and aiding in the prosecution of individuals involved in child sex offenses.

Anna, whose true identity remains confidential, spent over three decades working on the streets of Bristol and has been instrumental in a unique project that helps in incarcerating dangerous criminals. One harrowing incident involved a man who was exploiting his own eight-year-old daughter, a situation that Anna brought to light by bravely testifying against him in court. In another instance, a man showed Anna disturbing child abuse images, prompting her to report him to the authorities, leading to his impending trial.

The collaboration between street sex workers, Avon and Somerset Police, and children’s charity Barnardo’s Night Light team has been pivotal in identifying children at risk of exploitation and removing underage girls from dangerous situations. The initiative, which commenced in 2020 amid Covid lockdowns, has seen significant success in providing intelligence to protect vulnerable children who are often hidden in the shadows of the city’s streets.

Through their partnership with Night Light, street sex workers like Megan have been able to contribute crucial information to law enforcement, despite the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives. The trust established between the women and the Night Light team has been instrumental in the project’s progress, offering support and a listening ear to individuals who have often experienced trauma themselves. The dedicated efforts of these women have been fundamental in safeguarding young people and holding perpetrators of child exploitation accountable

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