News / Sex work
BBC documentary reveals unique Bristol project
A new BBC documentary offers a rare insight into the unparalleled work being done on the streets of Bristol to keep children safe, revealing how sex workers are helping fight child sexual abuse.
The epidemic of violence against women and girls is prompting innovative projects, such as the Night Light, a partnership between Barnardo’s, Avon & Somerset Police and local sex workers.
The sex workers provide information on suspicious individuals and report possible child exploitation and abuse to the authorities.
is needed now More than ever
The project started during the 2020 lockdowns and has proven to be a huge success. In 2024, the Night Light team had 124 conversations with street sex workers, who made 65 reports about dangerous men and highlighted around 20 young people at risk of exploitation.
“The women we meet on the streets are unsung and invaluable partners in this work,” says Sarah Crawley, director of Barnardo’s Cymru and South West.
‘The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe’ is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer – photo: BBC West
BBC West has now been given exclusive access to the project in The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe.
Rachel Stonehouse, a BBC investigative journalist, takes an unwavering look at the initiative, speaking to police officers and sex workers involved.
Stonehouse meets Anna, a sex worker whose real identity is being protected. Anna gave crucial evidence which led to a man being sent to prison for child sexual abuse.
“It was really unpleasant. Sickening to be honest,” Stonehouse says. “But I couldn’t walk away until I knew what was happening.”
Jo Ritchie, a social worker who came up with the idea for Night Light, hopes the documentary helps to challenge the narrative around street sex workers.
Ritchie says: “They’re incredible, I think so often society completely demonises them and misconstrues them and actually, we couldn’t do Night Light without them”.
Stonehouse also speaks to people personally helped by the project, exploring the impact Night Light is having on the local community.
There are hopes to roll out similar projects in other parts of the country.
The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer
Main photo: BBC
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