NSPCC reveals research in Devon on how young people would spot or report abuse
Young people in Plymouth believe they could be judged if they suffer sexual abuse, according to the findings
Young people in Plymouth say they believe they could be judged if they suffer sexual abuse.
That's according to a new survey carried out by NSPCC's Together for Childhood - completed by 337 young people aged between 12 and 14.
It found the extent of young people’s knowledge was varied for different types of abuse and that they knew most about sexual abuse (89%) and what is meant by giving consent (90%).
However, the young people knew less about how to spot the signs of grooming (64%); how to spot the signs of an abusive relationship (67%); and how to deal with unwanted contact from another young person (68%).
Young people who took part in the survey said that they wanted relationships and sex education delivered in school to focus on topics where they lacked knowledge; encourage discussion and critical thinking; and offer advice in practical strategies to help them deal with potentially harmful situations.
When asked about what would prevent young people from seeking help they raised concerns such as lack of confidentiality; blaming; burden of proof; and the unknown consequences of disclosing.
One young person who took part in the survey said: “I know it’s quite hard for a lot of people to say because they’re scared of being shamed or told ‘you shouldn’t have done that’ and a lot of them are not actually getting any help with it so a lot of people decide not to say it.”
Together for Childhood has published a report on the research which includes a number of recommendations and shared the findings with participating schools in Plymouth.
Addressing the concerns that young people could be judged for sexual abuse the authors state: “It is essential that steps are taken to educate adults in how to sympathetically respond to concerns or disclosures and address these negative beliefs held by young people to ensure they feel safe, empowered, and supported to seek help.”
The report has resulted in changes being made to relationships and sexual education for Year 9 students in one school which ensures that students are now given weekly relationships and sex education rather than a dedicated day a year. Changes also include adding content related to topics about which students were less confident and knowledgeable to lesson plans.
NSPCC Research and Evaluation Officer Alice Dutton, lead author of the report, said: ‘’It is important to listen to and empower children and young people. They hold the key insights into their lives. Abuse is never their fault so, let's educate, raise awareness, and break down barriers to keep them safe.’’
Oliver Mackie, Strategic Service Manager Together for Childhood Plymouth said: “In Plymouth we are fortunate to have a children’s safeguarding partnership that is focused and committed to preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. This additional evidence helps us to ensure we are working on the issues children tell us need fixing and further amplifies their voices.”
The NSPCC has four Together for Childhood sites across the country including the one in Plymouth which has a focus on preventing child sexual abuse. As part of the initiative, the NSPCC brings together children, families, statutory and community organisations to make their communities safer for children and prevent child abuse. This is achieved by tackling the problems that cause it head on, through public awareness campaigns, events in schools, engaging with communities, and direct services for children, young people, and families.