Live Fear Free – Deeside AM backs campaign encouraging sex abuse victims to seek the help they deserve

Deeside AM is backing a new phase of the Welsh Government’s Live Fear Free campaign encouraging people who have suffered sexual abuse to seek the help they deserve.

Carl Sargeant welcomes the campaign, which will focus on encouraging adults who were abused as children to call the Live Fear Free helpline. They can report the abuse, but it is also important to share the burden and receive support.

There will be print, digital and social media advertising, an animated film and a series of case studies.

Launching the campaign Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews said that NSPCC statistics showed that two thirds of adults who experienced abuse as children may have never told anyone about their abuse.

Carl Sargeant said:

“Studies show that adverse experiences like sexual abuse have a profound effect on someone’s life. To think that two thirds of victims are walking around with this terrible burden is very sad. I would encourage those who have suffered in this way to share the burden and call the Live Fear Free helpline where highly-trained staff are ready to listen and provide help and support.”

Anyone who has been abused can call the Live Fear Free helpline anytime for advice and support – it’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. The Live Fear Free website contains further information about the campaign, and what help is available: 0808 80 10 800, gov.wales/livefearfree.