How to report your concerns

If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.

Not all situations are obvious cases of child sexual abuse.  It may be potentially grooming type of behaviour which worries you or perhaps activity online which involves children or young people or images of children.

If you're worried about a child but they are not in immediate danger, you should share your concerns. There is help and support out there and we ask you to make that further step to pass on your information.

We know that this is not an easy step to make, especially if the parties involved are close family members. But you are not alone in the situation support is available. Please don't put your relationship with an adult over the protection of a child 

Clearly you can contact the police on 101 or the social work department but If you don't want to make a formal report, or you want to remain anonymous then you have options :- 

- You could contact Crimestoppers.  0800 555 111 They will not ask for your name

- If your concerns are in your work environment - follow your organisational child protection procedures. Organisations that work with children and families must have safeguarding policies and procedures in place. (see Professionals). 

- Call the Stop it Now! Freephone, anonymous and confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information. 

 - You can message our helpline using our secure messaging service by clicking here. Our messaging service is not able to offer an immediate response due to high demand but we aim to respond to messages within 5-7 working days. If your enquiry is urgent please call the confidential helpline. 

 - Contact Parentline Scotland on 08000 282233

 - Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. Their trained professionals will talk through your concerns with you and give you expert advice.

 - Contact your local children’s social work team. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.

 - Contact Police Scotland on 999 if you are concerned that a child is in immediate danger. Services will risk assess the situation and take action to protect the child as appropriate.

Information on the reporting of childhood abuse for survivors

Police Scotland has launched a film aimed at adult survivors of childhood abuse and people working with survivors.

Whether the abuse you experienced was physical, emotional, sexual, or if you were neglected, this film will provide further information including; how you can report abuse to police, what happens after you make a report to the police, what happens if it goes to court and what support is available.