Local MP calls for therapy for sexually abused children

4.05.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th May 2006

Solihull Lib Dem MP, Lorely Burt, joined the NSPCC's Director and Chief Executive, Mary Marsh, at the launch of its 'Don't Hide it' campaign yesterday calling on the Government to ensure that local therapeutic services are available for all children who have suffered sexual abuse.

Lorely Burt 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.

Commenting on the campaign, Lorely Burt said,

"The stories of children who have been sexually abused have to be heard. It's important for them and for us, so that we can tackle such abuse and work to ensure that it does not go unpunished."

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."

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Currently, the NSPCC has 75,000 active campaigners.

· NSPCC partner in campaigning lobby on behalf of the NSPCC for a variety of child protection causes. Recent successful campaigns include:

· Persuading Government to spend £1.5 million on raising public awareness of on line child protection - they have since spent £3 million.

· Securing a Children's Commissioner in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.