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British DanceSport Association and Crimestoppers launch new safeguarding line to protect dancers.

  • Oct 14
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 20

The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) is delighted to announce its partnership with the independent charity Crimestoppers to launch a dedicated phone line and online reporting service designed to protect dancers and strengthen safeguarding across the UK dance community.

This new BDSA Be Safe service, delivered in partnership with Crimestoppers, provides a safe and professional way for anyone to share concerns about unacceptable or abusive behaviour in dance. It offers a non-judgemental, unbiased and accountable reporting process, ensuring that all information is handled with integrity.

The service guarantees 100% anonymity meaning your personal details are never asked for. That means no police, no witness statements, no courts.

Reports can be made online or via the free 24/7 phoneline on 0800 917 9081. All actionable information will be securely passed to the BDSA, who will take every report seriously and respond appropriately.

This initiative forms a key part of the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities (NSF), led by the BDSA, which sets out standards to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe in extracurricular settings. By embedding a tried, tested and proven system through Crimestoppers, the BDSA is delivering on its commitment to create a safe space for reporting, free from fear or bias.

Annette Booysen, Account Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:

“Crimestoppers has been trusted for decades to give people the confidence to speak up safely. Through this new partnership with the BDSA, we are ensuring that dancers, parents, and schools across the UK have a clear, accessible and truly anonymous way to report their concerns.”

Neil Harrison, BDSA Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Our priority is safeguarding. By launching this service in partnership with Crimestoppers, we are building accountability into our sector and providing a system that dancers and parents can trust. This is not just about responding to issues, but about creating a culture of safety across all of dance.”

Be Safe

If you have seen unacceptable or abusive behaviour, grooming, bullying, or anything that makes someone feel unsafe within dance, contact the BDSA Be Safe service:

Together, the BDSA and Crimestoppers are committed to safeguarding every member of the dance community.


Notes to editors

  • For further information on safeguarding in dance contact the BDSA at info@bdsassociation.com.

  • For further details on the charity Crimestoppers contact Crimestoppers at Press.Office@crimestoppers-uk.org.

  • The National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities (NSF) is a UK wide framework led by the BDSA, setting standards for safeguarding in extracurricular activities. It can be accessed here www.bdsassociation.com/nsf

  • Crimestoppers is an independent charity that has been operating for over 37 years, providing safe and anonymous reporting options trusted by thousands of people every day across the UK.


If you would like to download a copy of this press release you can do so here:



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