police scotland 2

Police have paid tribute to the courage of victims of child abuse and others who have passed on information about people who may pose a risk to children and assured the public that they will do everything in their power to prevent these activities.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, Police Scotland’s lead for Public Protection said: “I would like to thank and pay tribute to the courage of everyone who has contacted both us and the NSPCC with information about people who may have abused children in the past and who may pose a risk to children. Speaking out about any form of child abuse is incredibly difficult, and disclosures are often made many years after an incident took place

Keeping children safe is our priority and we are committed to working with partners nationally, locally and with support services to primarily prevent children being abused and neglected; to improve child protection services and to ensure appropriate support is available. Tackling sexual crime and the sexual abuse of children is a priority for Police Scotland, as is identifying perpetrators and bringing them to justice. We will do everything in our power to prevent these activities and with our partners protect children.”

“We appreciate that sometimes finding a safe place to first talk about experiences helps eventual disclosure and would encourage anybody who feels this would assist to contact a support organisation. Details of such organisations can be accessed via Survivor Scotland http://www.survivorscotland.org.uk

“If you suspect someone is being abused, please contact Police Scotland on 101. It is important that if people have the courage to report sexual abuse that we respond sensitvely and appropriately with officers who have the skills to do so. Investigation units have dedicated, highly trained specialists who will ensure a high quality, consistent approach is delivered from the early stages of an investigation.  They are skilled in identifying the complexities and sensitivities encountered by persons reporting sexual crimes.

Police Scotland and our partners, both statutory and third sector,  are committed to ensuring children and adults reporting sexual abuse are supported throughout the criminal justice process.

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.