If you, or someone close to you, have been affected by child abuse, read on for information on support available and information on current legislation in the UK.
The programme was filmed mainly in the US and regulations in the UK have changed over the last few years. Anyone applying for a job or voluntary position that involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults can be asked to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau or CRB check. You can find out more at www.crb.gov.uk. Later in this information there are details on a Home Office pilot scheme offering more protection.
NAPAC - The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (www.napac.org.uk) provide support no matter how long ago the incident took place, pointing people in the right direction to take control of their own recovery. Call 0800 085 3330 (free & confidential, Monday - Thursday 2pm - 8pm, Tuesday morning 11am - 1.30pm, Friday evening 4pm – 8pm). There is more information and a list of regional support services on their website.
The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service - CCPAS (www.ccpas.co.uk) is the only independent Christian charity providing professional advice, support, training and resources in all areas of safeguarding children and for those affected by abuse. They support individuals and organisations across the denominational spectrum, other faiths, as well as non-faith based organisations. Call 0845 120 4550 (open 24 hours a day).
Stop It Now! (www.stopitnow.org.uk) advise anyone who has abused, or thought about abusing a child. They also support the family and friends of abusers. They encourage abusers to recognise their behaviour problems and seek help to change. Call 0808 1000 900 (free & confidential, Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm, Friday 9am - 7pm).
Survivors UK (www.survivorsuk.org ) support men who have been raped or sexually abused, however long ago, and men trying to cope with the abuse of someone close to them. Call Survivors UK on 0845 1221 201 (local rate call, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7pm - 10pm). You can also email info@survivorsuk.org.
If you're concerned about the safety of a child call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 (free & confidential, 24 hours a day, every day). A free textphone service is in place for people who are hard of hearing on 0800 056 0566. There's also an email helpline, send messages to help@nspcc.org.uk.
If you're a young person who has been approached or abused, ChildLine (www.childline.org.uk) is free and confidential for anyone up to the age of 18. Call the helpline 0800 11 11 (free, 24 hours a day, every day). If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222. ChildLine phone lines can be very busy but do keep trying and you will get through.
Voice UK (www.voiceuk.org.uk) provide telephone support for adults and children with learning disabilities who have been abused, and for their families and carers. Call 0845 122 8695 (local rate number, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm).
If you're feeling distressed and need someone to talk to, Samaritans are there for you at any time of day or night on 08457 90 90 90, or text to 07725 90 90 90 or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
Last year, the Government set up a pilot programme that allows parents to find out if someone with direct access to their children has a history of child sex crimes. In the first six months it has protected at least ten children from potential abuse. The trial was conducted across all of Warwickshire, parts of Cleveland, Cambridgeshire and Hampshire. It has now expanded to cover all sections of these police forces.
While anyone can raise their suspicions about an individual with the police, disclosure will only be for those directly responsible for a child's care. Grandparents, for example, can raise their concerns about an offspring's boyfriend with the police but the mother, not them, will be told the outcome of any police investigation.
In the trial areas a parent can check on any criminal background of a new partner, and they will be told in confidence if the police have knowledge of a history of sex offending, domestic violence or child neglect.
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