Child trafficking in Scotland

"MSPs are currently taking evidence on the proposed Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill, which is making its way through the Scottish Parliament."

"A submission from child protection figures including Dr Paul Rigby, of Stirling University, notes that there have been 60 child referrals to the National Crime Agency’s UK Human Trafficking Centre and the Home Office since 2012. "

"Since 2012 there have been 60 child referrals to the Competent Authorities from Scotland, as recorded by the National Referral Mechanism official statistics," it states.

"Children referred to the NRM have been victims of various types of exploitation and abuse including sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage, physical abuse, criminality, benefits fraud and female genital mutilation. Research in Glasgow has indicated that for nearly half of the children identified as trafficked there is evidence of multiple exploitative situations."...

"The submission to today’s justice committee meeting says children were viewed as "mini adults" by the NRM process, meaning they did not always receive the care and attention needed."

"It also noted that young people over the age of 16, who are defined as adults in Scottish law, find it difficult to receive supervision under the Children’s Hearing legislation."

"Last month, the Faculty of Advocates called for victims of trafficking to be given more protection from prosecution in law."

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/scots-kids-forced-into-slavery-and-prostitution-1-3714129