Vulnerable children and adults

If you feel that anyone - a child or an adult - is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

If you believe that any child is at risk of harm or abuse, ring Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190 choosing the option for urgent child protection. (24 hours), or contact the police by ringing their call centre number 101 (24 hours).If you are worried that an adult is at risk of abuse and/or neglect, please call 999 in an emergency. If you would like to discuss your concerns please contact Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.This page covers the following, please click topic for more information:

  • Children at Risk of Exploitation (CRE)
  • Counter Terrorism (Prevent)
  • County lines
  • Cyber Crime and Fraud
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Drugs & Alcohol
  • Homelessness
  • Modern Slavery and Organised Crime

Children at Risk of Exploitation (CRE)

Child sexual exploitation is a serious issue and it can be difficult to identify.

'Child exploitation' (CE) or 'children at risk of exploitation' (CRE) are terms which encompass all the ways by which children and young people can be exploited.Child exploitation occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual or criminal activity:

  1. In exchange for something the victim needs or wants and/or
  2. For the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator

The victim may have been sexually or criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

Find more information on recognising signs or what to do if you think a child is been exploited

How to report child exploitation

Concerns about a young person must be reported in order to coordinate a response. You can contact:

  • Police tel: 101 (or 999 in an emergency)
  • Call Derbyshire tel: 01629 533190 or 01629 532600 (out of hours)
  • Childline tel: 0800 1111
  • Derbyshire Safeguarding Board tel: 01629 532181
  • Safe and Sound tel: 01332 362120
  • #saysomething - anonymously text or call, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, for free tel: 116 000

For more information, please see our Safeguarding Policy

Counter Terrorism (Prevent)

Prevent is part of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy known as CONTEST, launched in 2007. The aim of Prevent is to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It covers all forms of terrorism and extremism.

Radicalisation is a process where people are groomed to engage in criminal terrorist activity. The people who are targeted are often vulnerable or susceptible in some way and need our help to keep them safe.

Prevent helps us to safeguard those vulnerable people before they commit any criminal terrorist related offences. It works in a similar way to other safeguarding procedures to support, protect and divert individuals.

Prevent often involves challenging their extreme views or beliefs by offering them an alternative path. This is often known as ‘de-radicalisation’.

If you suspect it, report it - If there is an immediate threat to life dial 999

Call Derbyshire Police tel: 101 or the confidential anti-terrorist hot line tel: 0800 789321.

If you have concerns about anyone you know who's at risk of being radicalised, please refer them to Derbyshire Police's Prevent Team using their online form. Your details will be kept confidential.

Let the police decide if the information is important. What might seem insignificant on its own could actually provide a vital link in a wider investigation.Some people use the internet to spread hate and violent extremism.

This can include harmful information, pictures or videos. You can report online material promoting terrorism or extremism.

Get help if you’re worried about someone being radicalised

County lines

County lines is a term for gangs supplying drugs to rural areas, market and coastal towns using dedicated mobile phone lines or 'deal lines'.

Gangs use children and vulnerable people to move drugs and money. Gangs establish a base in an area, by taking over the homes of local vulnerable adults by force or coercion in a practice referred to as ‘cuckooing’.

County lines involves drugs, violence, gangs, safeguarding, criminal and sexual exploitation, modern slavery, and missing persons. Tackling it involves the police, the National Crime Agency, a wide range of Government departments, voluntary and community sector organisations.

County lines activity and the associated violence, drug dealing and exploitation has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities.

Cyber Crime and Fraud

Cybercrime is any crime that involves a computer, the internet or related technology.

Many traditional crimes are now committed online. Basically if the behaviour is unacceptable offline, it is also unacceptable online.

Examples of cybercrime could include:-

Tips on how to protect yourself from cybercrime, contact details and other useful documents.

Domestic Abuse

Children, young people and families who are affected by domestic abuse or violence can get support, including refuge accommodation, by contacting Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline. It's available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and is a single point of contact to get the help you need.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, tel: 08000 198 668 and you'll get help from someone close by. If it's an emergency, tel: 999.

Crossroads supports those affected in Derbyshire Dales.

You can also email the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline giving a number you can be contacted safely at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you're deaf or hearing impaired, or unable to phone, text the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline tel: 07534 617252. Emergency SMS - text: 999.

For the National Domestic Violence 24-hour help line tel: 0808 2000 247.

Drugs and Alcohol

There is a strong link between drug and alcohol use and crime. While in the Derbyshire Dales incidents of drug and alcohol related crime are low, this remains a priority for our Community Safety Team.

For example, drug use is linked with crimes such as burglary and theft. Alcohol is linked with violent crime such as domestic abuse or violence in town centres. Both drug and alcohol use are also linked with different types of anti-social behaviour.

If you want more advice about the services and support on offer in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Domestic abuse helpline phone number: 08000 198 668.

Homelessness (help and information)

If you're homeless or threatened with homelessness, we can help. We'll always try to prevent you from becoming homeless in the first instance.

There are lots of services to help you to stay in your current home, including help with financial difficulties, tenancy matters or relationship breakdown.

If staying in your current home isn't an option, we can help you look for a new home or other alternatives.

We also offer services to help if you're experiencing domestic abuse.

You can search online for more information about organisations and services relating to housing problems and homelessness.

More advice on what support is available

Modern Slavery and Organised Crime

Modern slavery is where a person is brought to, or moved around the country by others who threaten, frighten or hurt them, and force them into work or other things they don't want to do. It is a term used to describe:

  • human trafficking, slavery, forced labour and domestic servitude
  • slavery practices such as debt bondage, sale or exploitation of children and forced marriage
  • The exploitation of these victims can take many forms, such as:
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Domestic servitude
  • Forced labour
  • Forced street crime
  • Cannabis cultivation
  • Organ trafficking

Here is more information on modern slavery and organised crime

Reporting concerns

If you are worried about or suspect that a person may be a potential victim of modern slavery or trafficking, please contact:

  • 999, if the person is at immediate risk
  • Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190 (24 hours adults and children) Children triaged via Starting Point
  • Call the Police on 101, if a non-emergency - quote Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit
  • Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit for advice tel: 0300 122 8057 or email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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