Charity supporting sexually abused children in Norfolk and Suffolk raising awareness of the issue
Around 1 in 10 children in the country experience sexual abuse before the age of 16
A charity supporting children who've been sexually abused in Norfolk and Suffolk is raising awareness of the issue.
Brave Futures says around 1 in 10 children in the country experience sexual abuse before the age of 16 - that’s the equivalent of three children in every classroom.
The charity says though, that because victims feel too scared or embarrassed to seek help, it’s not freely talked about, with 1 in 3 children who have been abused, never disclosing it.
They're now looking to change that with a new awareness campaign using photographs and messages from children, adults and celebrities to bring the subject more into the open.
Brave Futures says they're hoping this will help to dispel the myth that the biggest danger is from strangers, when in fact, it’s much closer to home - with over 90% of child abuse being carried out by someone who is known to the family.
Hannah Walker is from the charity: "By people not wanting to talk about it, that's what allows it to happen.
"By having these open conversations, teaching children their anatomy - these little things can stop really scary things from happening."
Ellie's been supported by the charity since she was thirteen: "It's a bit like whack-a-mole.
"I had all these different moles popping up but I didn't have the hammer to push them back down....
"I was very anxious, I couldn't leave the house and my life was a complete mess...
"It was becoming overwhelming - I had panic attacks and all these different issues... Brave Futures gave me the metaphorical hammer to start whacking my moles...
"It's so important to talk about this - if no one does... nothing will change.
"I don't want that for my step-daughter, and if I have any children, I want them to have access to much better support."