ChildLine help for abuse victims

Last year, at the ChildLine bases in Northern Ireland, 109 children aged 11 years and under had counselling sessions about sexual abuse.

With the UK figure standing at 1,020 for the round the clock helpline1, for more than 40 per cent of them this was the first time they had ever told anyone what had happened.

The figures highlight the risk to the very young – something the NSPCC is attempting to tackle through its Underwear Rule campaign which helps parents have conversations with their children about keeping them safe from sexual abuse.

The ChildLine statistics show there were over 9,100 contacts about sexual abuse where children gave their age and 11 per cent of these were 11 years-old or younger. Of these more than nine out of 10 knew the offender with just 6 per cent saying it was a stranger.

ChildLine counsellors are often the first people children talk to about their problems. This is particularly so with those under 12 who suffer sexual abuse.

They are three times as likely not to have told anyone before speaking to ChildLine, compared to other forms of abuse.

Mairead Monds, ChildLine service manager for Northern Ireland, said: “It’s incredibly important that we protect children from the risk of sexual abuse as soon as possible, and this can be done through simple conversations with children at a young age.

“The good news is that many young children feel confident enough to contact us for help and advice and understand that sexual abuse is never acceptable.”

The Underwear Rule campaign helps parents teach their children that their bodies are private and the NSPCC has developed a ‘Talk PANTS’ guide to help parents explain and children remember:

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 campaign is due to run until the end of summer 2013 and materials will continue to be offered to parents through the ChildLine Schools Service online at www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear