ABSTRACT
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is the UK's largest child protection charity, providing a range of fully evaluated services, helplines, training and consultancy, government lobbying and research. The NSPCC is determined to reduce the number of children who suffer sexual abuse. The NSPCC employs the broad and inclusive Working Together definition of sexual abuse, which involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The question of how many children suffer sexual abuse remains difficult to answer because of issues relating to disclosure and reporting. Within their public campaigning activity, the authors will explicitly consider how to target particularly vulnerable groups. Through partnerships with others, the NSPCC will develop interventions aimed at offenders and potential offenders, with a particular focus on providing support before offending has taken place.
