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Child Sexual Abuse - 'Speak Out' campaign

CSA \'Speak out\' for children

'Speak Out' is the campaign designed to raise awareness of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in the family environment across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This campaign aims to take the responsibility of reporting sexual abuse away from children and young people – they may not be able to say something for a variety of reasons. Instead, we are asking adults to notice and understand the potential signs of CSA and speak out when they think something’s wrong.

Our goal is to protect children and help them begin their recovery.

This campaign is particularly important at a time when social distancing rules mean that more children are staying at home, sometimes in unsafe environments. The risk that the signs of sexual abuse may go unnoticed is increased and so it is important that we raise awareness of the signs of CSA and clarify how people can report their concerns.

Key messages:

  • CSA in the family is a hidden crime. Most children and young people who are sexually abused are abused by someone they know.
  • With more children at home during the coronavirus pandemic, there is an even greater risk of the signs of sexual abuse going unnoticed.
  • Knowing the signs and reporting cases of child sexual abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
  • You don’t have to be certain it’s happening. If you’re concerned a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, speak to someone.

If you’re concerned that a child is being sexually abused or their safety is at risk, contact:

CORNWALL: The Multi Agency Referral Unit on 0300 123 1116 or email multiagencyreferralunit@cornwall.gov.uk

ISLES OF SCILLY: Children's Social Care on 01720 424483

The NSPCC have some useful advice for parents of younger children - Talk PANTS

With the help of our friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, Talk PANTS is a simple conversation to help keep your child safe from sexual abuse.

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