Primary school children at risk of abuse

More than one in 10 children who contact ChildLine because they have been sexually abused or fear they will become a victim are primary school age, new figures reveal. And in nearly all the cases they knew the offender.

Last year, at the ChildLine base in London, 23% of 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 helpline, 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.

Sue Minto, Head of ChildLine, 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. It can be done in a way that doesn’t scare them but gives the right level of information and confidence so they can speak to a trusted adult about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

“It’s a sad reflection on society that children of primary school age are being abused in this way but it’s a reality we have to face and prepare for. We can’t just sit idly by and hope it never happens – that will simply put more children at risk of harm.

“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

Since its launch five weeks ago the Underwear Rule campaign has received the backing of government and the Children’s Commissioner.

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 and GP surgeries across England, Scotland and Wales and online at www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear.