These films are the opinions of young survivors of abuse and may not reflect the policies of The Children’s Society. We do, however, support the right of young survivors to express their opinions in their own way.
The young people who feature anonymously in these films have ‘self-selected’ to take part in a programme funded by the Home Office. The filmmakers did not choose them … they chose us.
We did not decide on ethnicity, sexuality or gender. It was first come, first served. The films have been made in unfamiliar locations to protect their subject’s identity and feature actors, or a local youth theatre group, to help tell their story. We thank them for their time and energy.
The Films
Warning: You may find the content of these films upsetting. If you are affected by any of the issues raised, please reach out to Childline or Rape Crisis for support.
The names and identifying details have been changed to protect the young person.
Stop Sexual Abuse
'Rose' was sexually abused throughout her childhood and is urging primary schools to introduce sex education lessons, so that children can understand and speak up when something is wrong.
Crime figures show that one in thirteen adults, mainly women, were abused before the age of eleven. However, most did not report it at the time.
Ignore Peer Pressure
'Sarah' is encouraging youngsters to ‘act their age’ after finding herself the victim of an attempted sexual assault during a drunken and drug-fuelled party on her 12th birthday.
Now 14, she says she had fallen victim to peer pressure and was mixing with much older teenagers, where she was out of her depth and vulnerable.
Waiting in Silence
'Clare' would like to see sexual assault cases dealt with much more urgently – ending current long waiting times - and better access to meaningful support and therapy during the investigation.
She waited 19 months, from ages 14 to 15, before the police preferred charges, and was told not to speak about the case
Contact information
If you would like to get in touch, please email cpt@childrenssociety.org.uk
Voice as Value
Voice as Value is an approach developed by Margo Horsley and Nigel Swettenham between 2008 and 2018. It became known as the Fixers Movement working with some 25,000 young people over the period, UK-wide, with a huge media reach including monthly broadcasts on ITV regional news.
Voice as Value is based on enabling a young person to use their experience so that someone else doesn’t have to go through what they went through. They tell their story and seek change by asking those who have the power to create change to listen and act on what they have heard.