More Young Children
Reported as Sexual Abuse Victims Warns NSPCC
NSPCC Northern Ireland is urging parents to protect their
children from sexual abuse after obtaining new figures which reveal a
significant increase in the number of reported primary school age victims. Last
year (2012-13) the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recorded 377
child sex crimes against those under- ten – a near 20 per cent rise on the
previous year’s figure of 316.
In its continuing bid to help protect children from sexual abuse
before it can begin, the NSPCC is re-running its ‘Underwear Rule’ campaign
which provides parents of children aged 5-11 years-old with the
resources to talk to them about staying safe from sexual abuse in an age
appropriate way.
The campaign, which originally launched last summer, was hugely
successful in giving parents the confidence to have an easy conversation about
what many originally saw as a difficult area for discussion. Over 2.3 million**
people viewed the online video and nine out of 10 parents who were aware of the
campaign said they now knew how to broach the difficult subject. However,
nearly half (46 per cent) still haven’t tackled the issue with their children.
Neil Anderson, regional head for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said:
"Whilst some of the increase will be down to an increase in reporting due
to the Savile scandal, sexual abuse continues to be a terrible scar on our
society which won’t heal by itself. Our campaign has started to make inroads in
giving children the protection they need but there is obviously still a long
way to go.
"The police figures are disturbing, particularly as many of the
victims are so young and therefore less likely to be able to understand they
are being abused and be able to speak out. This highlights the urgent need to
tackle this problem from an early age. And parents and carers have asked us for
support in ensuring their children are armed with the knowledge to recognise
the wrong kind of behaviour and keep themselves safe”.
Last year in Northern Ireland 1058 sexual offences against
under-18s were reported to the PSNI. The majority of these offences, which
included rape, were committed against children of secondary school age. But
many of the victims were younger.
Neil Anderson, regional head for NSPCC Northern Ireland,
continued: "It’s a startling fact that most children are abused by someone they
know so it’s vital that we communicate to children that it’s not right for
anyone to touch the places that are private to them, no matter who they are.
"The Underwear Rule is a vital part of this process and is already
striking a chord with some parents but we would urge more to get involved.”
There will be supportive materials for parents and the NSPCC has
developed an easy-to-remember guide – Talk PANTS – that helps children
understand the key points of the Rule. (www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear)
Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you
No means no
Talk about secrets that upset you
Speak up, someone can help
The Underwear Rule campaign will be supported by a four week
advertising burst on nearly 60 local radio stations throughout the UK and
online.
The campaign complements
the organisation’s ChildLine Schools Service which is visiting every primary
school in the UK advising children on how to stay safe from all forms of abuse.
There are also two video links
which may also be useful for you to send on – I’ve placed the links below if
you want them
www.nspcc.org.uk/conversations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2-qTugdxto