NSPCC calls on people in Oxfordshire to help prevent child sexual abuse
The NSPCC is offering parents and professionals free sessions and activities to help tackle child sexual abuse as part of a new campaign launching across Oxfordshire.
The NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign which started in 2013, will launch across Oxfordshire on 29th January with a key focus on supporting and empowering the community to prevent child sexual abuse.
The charity is calling on those that work directly with children to get in touch and sign up to free online and in-person sessions.
Parents can also get in touch now to show their interest in further sessions that take place later on in the year.
The NSPCC is working in partnership with Oxfordshire Play Association, Oxford County Council, Nära Nurseries, Oxfordshire Scouts, the NHS school nurse team and Bullingdon Prison Libraries.
Rebecca Duggan, NSPCC Local Campaigns Officer for Oxfordshire, said: “It is vital we do everything we can to prevent child sexual abuse at a local level by working together.
"Our free Talk PANTS professional insight sessions are aimed at those working with children aged 3-11 and last around one hour.
"We give an overview of the Talk PANTS campaign aims and objectives and take a deeper look through the informative and newly updated resources.
"Through these sessions, we aim to support professionals in gaining the confidence and knowledge they need to effectively deliver Talk PANTS with children.
“As adults, parents and professionals, it’s our responsibility to do whatever we can to protect children."
The NSPCC Helpline made almost 300 referrals to agencies such as Police and Social Services in Oxfordshire from April 2022 to March 2023 about concerns of child sexual abuse.
Police in Oxfordshire recorded more than 550 sexual offences against children in the same timeframe.
The key messages for the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign are:
P – Privates are private.
A – Always remember your body belongs to you.
N – No means no.
T – Talk about secrets that upset you.
S – Speak up, someone can help.