Abuse survivor joins NSPCC, Channel 4 and Hollyoaks to call for more protection for children and young people

Following the broadcast of Channel 4 documentary, A Paedophile in My Family: Surviving Dad, Emily Victoria has met with the media, West Yorkshire organisations and the NSPCC in Leeds.

Victoria made the decision to share her personal experience of suffering sexual abuse by her father in the documentary and at an event at Channel 4’s Leeds HQ, she spoke to local organisations about how at-risk young people and children need urgent support.

“Since sharing my experience, I’ve focused my efforts on questioning why child sexual abuse goes unmissed and how we can stop it happening in the future. By talking openly in meaningful dialogue and supporting ongoing initiatives, like those of the NSPCC, we can create change and influence policy. I want to ensure others know there is help available when they need it the most,” she explained.

“This collaboration today is a powerful reminder of how effective working together can be. We need to ensure that the conversation continues well beyond this event and becomes a central topic on the government’s agenda. Only through sustained effort and cooperation can we create the lasting change needed to protect vulnerable young people.”

The event was chaired by Darshna Soni, Communities Editor at Channel 4 News and the panel featured the NSPCC, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for policing and crime, and Hollyoaks producer, Hannah Cheers.

“By creating an ongoing conversation about the importance of supporting children and young people here in Yorkshire and across the country, we can help ensure children are better protected and more confident in seeking help when something is wrong,” said Debra Radford, NSPCC Assistant Director for Yorkshire, the North East and the Humber.

“Our teams here and across the country help children and families through abuse, support their mental wellbeing and – through Childline and the NSPCC Helpline – offer support and guidance to children and adults who are worried about young people, whenever they need it. With the support of Channel 4, WYCA and everyone who attended, we can ensure safeguarding conversations become the norm and help even more young people in the future.”

Those at the event called for greater local collaboration, plus media influence to raise awareness.

Hollyoaks’ Hannah Cheers also explained how the soap was addressing sensitive topics like abuse and grooming and the importance of working closely with organisations like the NSPCC to ensure the portrayal of such issues is both accurate and impactful.

“Child safety is a universal right but abuse remains all too common and the harm it causes remains undimmed,” stated Miranda Higham, Director of Corporate Relations at Channel 4.

“Channel 4 is grateful to Emily for the trust she placed in us to broadcast her incredibly powerful story. She has done so much to raise awareness and inspire change. We are supporting Emily, Alison and Debra in their work to ensure anyone who is being abused or who has concerns about a child can readily access support services.”

[Photo Amy Brammall]

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