One in Ten (1/10) children are victims of sexual abuse across the UK
The Support service Brave Futures is campaigning to raise awareness so it can be prevented
Warning: This article contains discussions over child sexual abuse, which some may find distressing.
Brave Futures is a charity that works with children across Suffolk and Norfolk who have experienced sexual abuse.
They have launched a three-month campaign, starting today to raise awareness of this issue. They want people to be able to talk about it. To have the conversation with their children, and to speak about if something is wrong.
As well as raise awareness of the work they do to help those who have been affected.
"As part of the new campaign, Brave Futures is promoting photographs and messages from children, adults and celebrities to bring the subject more into the open.
"It’s hoped that this will help to dispel the myth that the biggest danger is from strangers, when in fact, it’s much closer to home.
"Over 90% of child abuse is carried out by someone who is known to the family."
1 in 10 children in the UK experience sexual abuse before the age of 16
Brave Futures found "around 1 in 10 children in the UK experience sexual abuse before the age of 16" -
If we imagine a typical class at school, that's 3 children in every class that have been abused.
Brave Futures understands that victims may feel "too scared or embarrassed to seek help ... fact 1 in 3 children who have been abused, never disclose and so it remains hidden."
Why these conversations need to be had
We spoke to Hannah Walker from Brave Futures who explained to us that these coversations need to be had because silence and 'secrecy allows it to happen.'
"It's that secrecy, it's that looking the other way where children are abused for years.
"Just by having the conversations, it doesn't have to be anything big, it's teaching children the right anatomy - Teaching children that your private areas are private.
"Just these little things that aren't scary can stop something really scary from happening to them."
Ellie, who was assaulted at 13 waived her anonymity to speak to us.
She told us she takes these precautions with her stepdaughter.
"I think the bottom line is making sure children are aware of privacy and knowing that they shouldn't be naked in front of people.
"If they can understand that, then, if anything does happen, or someone suggests something that kind of goes against that rule, and then they know that it's wrong - because otherwise children aren't going to know.
"But like they wouldn't understand anything outside of that if you haven't taught them.
"Their brains aren't gonna be able to flag up if there's an issue. That's why it's very common that childhood sexual abuse goes on for quite a long period of time and children can feel really guilty."
Help Available
Ellie went through Brave Futures. They helped her to understand her triggers and gave her the tools to deal with the trauma.
"I'd like to reassure anyone that does need help. If you do go and approach someone, especially the charities, you will not be forced to talk to the police, If you're not ready.
"You won't be forced to talk about your trauma if you're not ready.
"They are there to support you and help you with what you need.
..."It's hard, but be brave. It's nothing's gonna be worse than what you've gone through. Think about it that way."
If you are struggling help can be found in Suffolk and Norfolk at Brave Futures.
In Suffolk there is also "Survivors in Transition" and "Sue Lambert" in Norfolk.
Hannah also mentioned that more services can be found by searching on Google