Samaritans volunteers abused their positions by having sex with vulnerable callers, it was claimed yesterday. Up to 44 serious safeguarding incidents have apparently been recorded since 2017, including some 'as serious as having sex with a caller'. Another volunteer said the worst incidents were 'as serious as someone having sex with a caller' – which could amount to sexual misconduct. Julie Bentley, chief executive of the Samaritans, said the scale of the service meant on 'extremely rare occasions' high standards might not be met. Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

Source: Daily Mail August 02, 2021 00:00 UTC