A series of workshops are being held across Dorset in efforts to encourage children to talk more openly about sexual abuse.

Hundreds of teachers, early years staff, health workers and other professionals are taking part in efforts to get children to talk more openly about sexual abuse.

They are being encouraged to talk to parents and carers about starting these conversations at an early age, in an age-appropriate way. The workshop sessions are also designed to give practitioners increased confidence to provide support to children, young people and families affected.

The workshops are part of the NSPCC's PANTS campaign - which aims to ensure children understand the 'underwear rule'.

The Dorset Local Children’s Safeguarding Board and the Bournemouth and Poole Local Safeguarding Children’s Board have partnered up with the NSPCC to run the PANTS campaign county-wide.

Chris Cloke, head of safeguarding in communities, NSPCC, said: “Our research shows that one in three children who have been sexually abused by an adult did not tell someone at the time.

“Two children in every classroom have suffered abuse or neglect and so it’s really important that children know who they can talk to if they’re upset or worried. The PANTS approach and resources supports adults to protect children from abuse by building the confidence to have these important conversations with children at a young age. By engaging with up to 300 frontline practitioners we hope they can spread the use the PANTS campaign in their own areas of work and local communities.”

Two sessions have already taken place and have touched on how to talk PANTS:

P – Privates are private.

A – Always remember your body belongs to you.

N – No means no.

T – Talk about secrets that upset you.

S – Speak up, someone can help.

Gerry Graham, the lead midwife for safeguarding at Dorset County Hospital attended one of the sessions.

She said: “I think the information on how to handle a disclosure from a child was very worthwhile and provided some useful tips for staff who may not be used to dealing with this.”

The briefing sessions, funded by a grant from the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner are being offered free of charge in various locations across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.

For more information, visit nspcc.org.uk