by Flavia Munn

It is easy for a teenager who is being sexually abused to believe their terrifying plight is their own fault. Scared and alone they suffer in silence as their ordeal continues day after day.

Their self-esteem drops as the abuse carries on - making it easier for the perpetrator to violate them. And the friendly guise the abuser adopts to "groom" the youngster for abuse, only adds to the victim's confusion.

Some even begin to believe they are imagining the sick acts which only happen when they are alone with the offending person.

Sadly it is not until adulthood that many victims admit what has been happening. And tragically this can sometimes be too late to prosecute their abuser.

Children's charity, the NSPCC, knows only too well the catastrophic effect being sexually abused can have on a child - and the repercussions in adulthood.

A recent survey found one in ten had experienced sexual abuse or attempted abuse when they were under 16.

Just over a quarter - 28 per cent - of those experiencing sexual acts or approaches from someone much older than themselves told someone about it at the time. But one in three have not told a soul.

It is these silent people the charity is targeting with a bright magazine which, they hope, will encourage youngsters to seek help.

Hands Off! complete with its cartoons and helpline numbers, also aims to prevent abuse by identifying what is suitable behaviour from an adult and what is not.

NSPCC director, Mary Marsh, said: "Young people often blame themselves for their abuse but this magazine makes it clear to young people that it is never their fault.

"Our survey shows clearly that most children and young people do not speak out about sexual abuse, and do not get the help and support they need.

"Hands Off! encourages young people to find someone to turn to if they are experiencing abuse or sexual bullying."

A total of 150,000 copies of the magazine are being distributed to local education authorities.

Used courtesy of the Western Daily Press

See also

Robbed of my innocence