MORE THAN 600 taxi and private hire drivers took part in training in a bid to help them spot common signs of abuse.

The Basildon Council scheme is in place to combat domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation.

It comes after official reports into child sexual exploitation cases have made specific references to the role that taxi and private hire drivers have in these cases.

Experts have warned drivers may be unwittingly transporting victims and could have information which could prevent and detect offending.

Nick Poole, a driver at Direct Taxis, in Basildon, who took part in the training, said: “I do the school run near enough everyday, so deal with the same kids, so I can notice the signs.

“One time I dropped a child off to their house, picked them up the next morning and they came out of the house with a bruise on their eye. When there are bruises or the child behaves differently to their normal, I report to the school and relevant authorities to make sure the right people are aware.”

The 65-year-old taxi driver of 40 years from Basildon continued: “Being able to ask questions and make notes, was really helpful. Meetings to make drivers more aware should happen more often; every so many years.

“We are hearing more and more cases, so this training helps keep everyone alert to know what to look out for.”

Throughout the training sessions, which were held from March last year until January this year, drivers learned what is meant by safeguarding, how to spot the signs of abuse, as well as different ways in which children and adults can be exploited and by whom. Sessions covered child sexual exploitation, modern slavery, human trafficking and the ‘prevent’ agenda - grooming to support extremism.

As well as this, the course covered the responsibilities of the licensed drivers and what they should do if they have concerns.

It is now a condition of license renewal for drivers licensed by Basildon Council to have attended one of these sessions. If they fail to attend, it is mandatory for them to sit and pass an online assessment.

Drivers were provided with a booklet covering information from all topics as well as details of support lines for further advice and information.

Peter Holliman, chair of the authority’s licensing committee, said: “Taxi and private hire drivers have a crucial role to play as the eyes and ears of our community. When drivers are party to information which gives them cause for concern, it is vital that they know the appropriate steps to ensure this is passed to the relevant authorities.

“By providing mandatory safeguarding training, Basildon Council is demonstrating that it takes its duty to protect the public seriously and I would like to thank all the drivers who took part in the training.”

Other initiatives to help spot the signs include the campaign following the death of Kerri McAuley in 2017. She was attacked by her abusive boyfriend and confided in her hairdresser. The campaign launched to help hairdressers in the industry spot the signs of domestic abuse.

There are numerous services available for victims, including Changing Pathways, formerly known as Basildon Women’s Aid. It is a domestic abuse charity supporting victims in Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock. It provides free confidential services to support people who are currently or have previously experienced domestic abuse.

Philippa Ladd, chief executive at Changing Pathways, said: “Taxi drivers may be able to see the signs of abuse which may not have been reported to the police.

“They are out and about everyday, so it’s important they, along with everyone else, know what’s going on, the risks of what could happen, and how they can act by having the number to help, so they can reach a professional.

“Some may see things that make them feel uncomfortable and may be unsure what to do. Having this information will help empower them to know what to do. Domestic abuse is complex, not many people fully understand it.

“A lot of people think it has to be physical, but it may just be a threat of some sort, it could even be economic abuse where someone is begging their partner for money they don’t have.”

“It is particularly important to get early intervention, a woman may report to the police 35 times before they leave, so initiatives such as this training are a really good way to raise awareness.”