DEAR EDITOR - A recent EastEnders storyline on television accurately depicted the devastating impact sexual abuse can have on a young person's life.
I am writing to raise awareness of the extent of sexual abuse of children and young people across the country.
In Worcestershire alone we have 60 children and young people registered for concern about sexual abuse. While in the UK one percent of young people had been sexually abused by a parent, and three percent suffered sexual abuse by another relative.
Research shows that as many as one in ten young people - mostly girls - have been forced into sex acts against their will before their sixteenth birthday, by people known to them. This abuse often remains hidden because young people feel unable to speak out.
Over the next couple of months the NSPCC will be driving a public awareness campaign through posters.
The 'Someone To Turn To' poster gives young people immediate sources of help - the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 and the Website www.nspcc.org.uk
Through these services young people and parents can access advice and receive information on other sources of help.
If readers want to receive a poster please send a SAE marked 'Someone To Turn To' poster to - PIU, NSPCC, 42 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3NH.
Karen Edgar,
Rutland Drive,
Bromsgrove,
B60 2PB.
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