Child trafficking victims ignored by frontline workers

The charity’s latest report on child trafficking, called Hidden Children, involved interviews with victims and found that many were denied help by frontline professionals.

When victims opened up to teachers, social workers and the police about their experiences of abuse, often the professionals were unwilling to help, did not take the claims seriously or did not know where to refer them for advice.

The report also challenges the myth that victims are hidden away. Instead it said many attend schools, GP clinics and churches, but are not known to children’s services.

One young person interviewed said: "Sometimes the social workers would ask the questions when the guardians were there."

The charity is calling for improved training across police, health, social services and education in spotting and offering support to victims of child trafficking.

Lisa Nandy, policy adviser for The Children's Society, said: "While sexual exploitation may be the most high-profile form of trafficking, young people can be, and have been, exploited in a number of different ways, including forced labour and domestic servitude.

"All of these children are extremely vulnerable, and the agencies need to work together to identify and support these victims."