I am the parent of an abused child.

We didn’t know about the abuse that our daughter had suffered until she was 16 years old.

Eventually the flashbacks she was suffering became too much and she was brave enough to speak out about what had happened to her from the age of 7.

As is so often the case, this man was so credible. He had been one of our best friends. He was kind and charming and so “good with the kids”.

Sadly, that means that there are some people who believe him when he says he is innocent.

But what else would he say?

We grew up believing that the “dirty old man” was the one to watch out for. Warned of “stranger danger”.

We were not told that the vast majority of these crimes are carried out by someone we know.

And often, the last person you’d imagine.

If a child tells you they have been abused, believe them.

These perpetrators are skilled at grooming adults as much as the child.

Think critically! And follow your gut – if something feels “off” it probably is.