Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is supporting a leading children’s charity this winter in their efforts to keep the spotlight on child sexual abuse.  CHILDREN 1ST is running a campaign called See. Hear. Speak. Act on Sexual Abuse to continue to raise awareness of the issue and the need for more abuse and trauma recovery services across Scotland.

Dave said: “In light of recent events, this is an important campaign which deserves all our support.  We have broken a taboo on this issue and I’m supporting CHILDREN 1ST’s efforts so that we don’t go back.

“CHILDREN 1ST is one of the largest providers of services in Scotland supporting children to recover from sexual abuse, yet with current funding, they can only provide services in eight local authority areas.  Worst of all, the waiting lists for access to these services are long – 75 children have been waiting at least six months to gain access to vital support.

“This needs to change.  We need to ensure that there are abuse and trauma recovery services in every community in Scotland and I intend to work with CHILDREN 1ST to make this happen.

Anne Houston, Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of Mr Thompson for our winter campaign.  We have over 128 years’ experience of supporting children to recover from sexual abuse and one thing we’ve learned is that timing is key.  The sooner a child is listened to and taken seriously, the sooner they can be supported to recover from their trauma.  That’s why we are encouraging everyone this winter to see, hear and speak about child sexual abuse.  And we want people to act too.

Anyone concerned about a child can contact ParentLine Scotland on 08000 28 22 33 for advice and information – the helpline is open right through the festive period.”