Sexual abuse

Press, 29 June 1988, Page 16

Sexual abuse

Sir, —It would be very difficult to gather accurate statistics on child sexual abuse when

many cases go unreported. Some children cannot cope with giving evidence involving details of the abuse and often do not want to add this to their mental anguish either.. There are many different reasons why people choose not to charge offenders, usually in consideration of others rather than the offender, and these cases are not on record for statistics. Many abused children are having professional counselling where the offender has not been charged. In my experience, counselling services do not encourage you to press charges and often they are the only people informed of the abuse. Prevention is the key and educating children is an excellent start. If disbelieving adults cannot acknowledge that this is a serious problem, perhaps children can be taught ways to protect themselves. — Yours, etc.,

L. ALEXANDER. June 23, 1988.

Sir, —I read the letters on June 23 and was amazed and angry. I have to wonder what it is all about; statistics or children? What does “one in four” mean? One child sexually abused is one too many. Children need to be kept informed and made aware of dangerous or damaging situations. Whether the danger exists in their own home, a friend’s home or a relative’s home, or if the danger is out on the street, it is imperative that a child knows good touch from bad touch. All adults, and especially the carers of children, are responsible for keeping our children safe. — Yours, etc., JOY CAROL. June 23, 1988.