Brooks calls for therapy for sexually abused children

Brooks Newmark joined the NSPCC's Diana Sutton at the launch of its 'Don't Hide it' campaign last week calling on the Government to ensure that local therapeutic services are available for all children who have suffered sexual abuse.Braintree MP, Brooks Newmark, joined the NSPCC's Diana Sutton, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the launch of its 'Don't Hide it' campaign last week calling on the Government to ensure that local therapeutic services are available for all children who have suffered sexual abuse.

Brooks joined other MPs in an effort to highlight the need for such services and to call on the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt to take action.

Brooks said: "Child abuse is something which we all abhor. I believe that it is very important that children are able to have access to someone, be it a professional, teacher, parent or carer, who they feel they can confide if they have suffered abuse."

It has been estimated that 90 per cent of children known to have suffered sexual abuse currently do not receive support. The benefits of such services in helping children recover are well documented. A 13 year old girl who received therapy after being sexually abused by her cousin said:
"It got easier every week…It changed me a lot. I'm stronger, more confident and I'm not as shy or quiet. I'm more bubbly and I look forward to things now. I love my life now 'cause I've got more hope".

Lobbying on behalf of the NSPCC, 60,000 Partners in Campaigning will be sending postcards to the Secretary of State for Health, and writing to their MP to call for more such services. To join the campaign online, see: www.NSPCC.org.uk/campaigning

NSPCC Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Diana Sutton, said:
"Children who are being sexually abused suffer enormous harm. They must get the therapy they need to help overcome the trauma they've endured and to move on with their lives. We want the government to ensure that children everywhere have full access to therapeutic services.

"To help achieve this, we call for a detailed analysis of current provision and a fully funded delivery plan, at both national and local level."

Photo:Brooks with Diana Sutton, NSPCC Head of Policy and Public Affairs