New child protection campaign

The chair of Dundee’s Child Protection Committee is backing a new campaign which encourages the public to act immediately on signs that a child may be being sexually abused.

Titled What If You’re Right?, the campaign has been designed with input from adult survivors of sexual abuse across Scotland, and highlights both the immediate and long term consequences of child sexual abuse.

Elaine Torrance, Independent Chair of Dundee Child Protection Committee, urged concerned adults not to ignore signs that something is seriously wrong for a child.

“We listened to many adult survivors of child sexual abuse as we developed this campaign,” she said.

“They were all clear that sexual abuse is not only horrendous at the time it is happening, but it can also cause lifelong physical and emotional damage. Trauma experienced as a result of child sexual abuse can ruin lives.”

The campaign, launched today by Child Protection Committees Scotland and Barnardo’s Scotland, encourages people to take immediate action if they suspect the child might be being sexually abused.

Both Child Protection Committees Scotland and campaign partner Barnardo’s Scotland understand that people can be hesitant about acting on a gut feeling, but Ms Torrance is clear that taking action is essential to help prevent lifelong damage.

“It’s everyone’s job to keep children safe from harm, and we all need to play our part to help limit the long-term damage child sexual abuse can cause,” she said.

“Don’t wait for someone else to take action, report concerns yourself. Yes, it can be scary to speak up, but we need to be brave and not ignore signs that there’s a potential problem.

“Anyone who is worried that a child might be being sexually abused can visit the Child Protection Scotland website for information about how to take action, or contact the local child protection team. If you fear that a child is in immediate danger, you should call Police Scotland right away.”

Worried about a child in Dundee? Call Dundee’s Child Protection Line: 307999 Speak to us in confidence.

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