MORE than 200 children in the region have turned to ChildLine for counselling because of sexual abuse.
The statistics were collated by staff at the ChildLine South West base in Exeter.
ChildLine manager Cheryl Marshall said: “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.
“In the last 10 years, ChildLine has 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.”
ChildLine counselled 12,268 children nationwide for sexual abuse last year alone.
Young people can continue to call ChildLine on 0800 1111 and can receive support via the website www.childline.org.uk.
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