NSPCC supports new change in law
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Wednesday, 30, Jan 2008 12:00
The NSPCC today welcomes the change in law that will remove the time limit on victims of child sex abuse claiming compensation from their abuser as adults. This is a significant development that sends out a message that sexual abuse will not be tolerated.
NSPCC head of policy and public affairs Diana Sutton said: “The law must protect children from abuse. We know that three-quarters (72%) of sexually abused children (1) do not tell anyone about the abuse at the time. The shock and shame of the abuse means that many suffer in silence keeping their secret buried for years.
“Child abuse can have damaging effects on a child’s emotional well-being that last long into adulthood. One in three victims (2) of childhood sexual abuse tell no one until adulthood.
“Children need to be encouraged to speak out as soon as possible. It is vital they get the support they need when they have the courage to speak out. The NSPCC is calling on the government to ensure that every sexually abused child has access to counselling and therapy to overcome the serious harm caused by their abuse.”
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Notes to editors
(1) and (2) (Cawson et al., 2000, Child Maltreatment in the UK: A Study of the Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect, NSPCC, p.83)
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