Annette Brooke MP supports new NSPCC campaign for sexually abused children

5.55.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 19th May 2006

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has pledged her support for the new NSPCC campaign 'Don't Hide it', which calls on the Government to ensure that local therapeutic services are available for all children who have suffered sexual abuse.

Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children and Families, raised the issue of therapeutic services back in 2003 during a debate on the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The local MP has joined other MPs in an effort to highlight the need for such services and to call on the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt to take action.

Annette Brooke said:

"Children who have suffered sexual abuse should not feel ashamed of speaking out. I wholeheartedly support this campaign which will enable many young people to deal with their experiences. More therapeutic services are clearly needed to help children move on with their lives."

It has been estimated that 90 per cent of children known to have suffered sexual abuse currently do not receive support. The benefits of such services in helping children recover are well documented. A 13 year old girl who received therapy after being sexually abused by her cousin said:

"It got easier every week…It changed me a lot. I'm stronger, more confident and I'm not as shy or quiet. I'm more bubbly and I look forward to things now. I love my life now 'cause I've got more hope".

Lobbying on behalf of the NSPCC, 60,000 Partners in Campaigning will be sending postcards to the Secretary of State for Health, and writing to their MP to call for more such services. To join the campaign online, see: www.NSPCC.org.uk/campaigning.

NSPCC Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Diana Sutton, said:

"Children who are being sexually abused suffer enormous harm. They must get the therapy they need to help overcome the trauma they've endured and to move on with their lives. We want the government to ensure that children everywhere have full access to therapeutic services.

"To help achieve this, we call for a detailed analysis of current provision and a fully funded delivery plan, at both national and local level."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Currently, the NSPCC has 75,000 active campaigners.

• NSPCC partner in campaigning lobby on behalf of the NSPCC for a variety of child protection causes. Recent successful campaigns include:

• Persuading Government to spend £1.5 million on raising public awareness of on line child protection - they have since spent £3 million.

• Securing a Children's Commissioner in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.