20 children tell ChildLine’s Merseyside base about female sex abusers

THE NSPCC is releasing new figures that show last year volunteer counsellors at ChildLine’s Merseyside base counselled a total of 106 children across the UK about sexual abuse as their main concern. Of those, 20 had been sexually abused by a female.   In total, ChildLine counselled 12,268 children nationwide for sexual abuse. Although figures show that the majority of calls were in relation to abuse by a male, the findings show that more children are reporting assaults from a woman, usually their mother. A total of 2,142 young people across the UK told ChildLine they had been sexually abused by a female. Of those callers counselled, 1,311 told ChildLine they had been abused by their mother. The overall proportion of children calling ChildLine about a female offender has risen from 11% of sex abuse calls in 2004 to 2005 to 17% in 2008 to 2009.

One 14-year-old boy told a counsellor:- “When mum drinks too much she comes into my room, undresses me and makes me have sex with her.”

Family relationship problems constitute the largest additional issue affecting children from across the UK who call to speak about sexual abuse, which is nearly a quarter of those counselled for sexual abuse. This was then followed for girls by physical abuse and pregnancy and for boys physical abuse and emotional abuse.

Lee Mitchell, assistant director for ChildLine in Merseyside said:- “Most sex abuse calls to ChildLine come from girls saying they were assaulted by a male. Large numbers of children however say they were sexually abused by a female. Many people find it unimaginable that any woman - let alone a mother - can sexually assault a child, but that is a dangerous assumption to hold. It is so important therefore that we remain vigilant and act on any concern, irrespective of gender.  Sexually abused children are often driven to despair because they don’t know who to tell. Even when they summon the courage to speak, they are scared no one will believe them. We have to listen to these children, take their concerns seriously and give them the protection and support they need.”  He adds:- “In the last ten years, ChildLine counsellors have helped more than 100,000 sexually abused children. Sexual abuse is still one of the main reasons children contact us. For many, it is the first time they have told anyone about their ordeal.  The NSPCC is developing the ChildLine service to answer more cries for help, and provide more ways to contact us. As ever, young people can continue to call ChildLine on:- 0800 1111, but now young people can receive more information and support via the website: childline.org.uk. Children can contact ChildLine on the website through email, message boards or one- to-one chats with counsellors. In order to continue to develop this service and answer every child’s call. People can help us grow the service by supporting our Child’s Voice Appeal.”

ASSAULT, SELINA ROAD, LIVERPOOL

ON 2 November 2009, at around 10.30pm, Merseyside Police officers were called to reports that a group of four young men had been assaulted by a larger group of between 7 and ten men in Selina Road, close to the junction of Stuart Road, in Kirkdale. The victims, who are all aged between 18 and 25, were kicked and punched during the unprovoked attack, as well as slashed with a sharp object. One of the victims received hospital treatment for a cut to his wrist. The offenders fled the scene in a dark-coloured Vauxhall Astra. They were all wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered. Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to call St Anne Street CID on:- 0151 777 4064 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

ROBBERY ON MYRTLE STREET, LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives investigating a robbery in Liverpool city centre on Sunday, 1 November 2009, are appealing for information.

The incident took place at around 1.30am when a 20 year old man was walking home along Myrtle Street. He was approached by group of six men who assaulted him and stole his wallet and personal possessions, including a Canadian driving licence.

The man managed to flag down a passing private hire taxi and the taxi driver's intervention resulted in the offenders running from the scene.

The taxi driver drove the victim to a safe place where he was then able to notify the police. He sustained cuts and bruising to his face and body.

One of the offenders is described as being white, 5ft 8"tall, around 18 years old with short shaven ginger hair. Another of the offenders is described as being black, 5'5" tall, similar age wearing a grey hooded top. The other men are not further described.

Detective Constable Andy Bason said:- "This attack was totally unprovoked and I would appeal to anyone who may have information, which could help us catch those responsible for this despicable crime to come forward.  

Myrtle Street is a busy road and I would appeal to anyone who may have been driving past who may have seen something to make contact. The taxi driver played a pivotal role in stopping this attack and I would also appeal to him to come forward."

Anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information is asked to contact the Robbery Team at St Anne's Street on:- 0151 777 4808.  You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.