Merseyside parents urged to speak to kids about abuse
Parents on Merseyside are being urged to talk to their kids about sexual abuse - in a bid to stop them becoming victims in the future
Parents on Merseyside are being urged to talk to their kids about sexual abuse - in a bid to stop them becoming victims in the future
A scheme's being launched in Liverpool to encourage mums & dads to start conversations to their children about the dangers and the signs.
Research from the NSPCC revealed that cases of child abuse and neglect sky rocketed by 71% between 2012 and 2015.
Helen Westerman, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, said: “Both Liverpool City Council and the LSCB Safeguarding Children Board, with the help of the NSPCC, have now made sure preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation is high on the agenda.
"As a parent you know when it’s right to discuss a specific subject and remind children of the dangers out there. This makes that process easier.”
PANTS is an easy way for adults to explain the Underwear Rule to a child: • 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, which is a joint initiative with LSCB, has been launched this week.
Councillor Barry Kushner, Cabinet member for Children’s Services at Liverpool City Council, said: “The PANTS campaign is all about helping parents to teach their children how to stay safe and the importance of speaking up if something bad does happen.
“We think it’s a valuable addition to the work we and our partner agencies are already doing to tackle child sex exploitation.
“We know some parents find it embarrassing to talk to their children about sensitive issues like this, so the PANTS campaign will help them have conversations with their children in a really easy and straightforward way.”