Shropshire Star comment: All of us can help stop child sex abuse
A secret army of workers are being encouraged to step up to the plate as police look to tackle child abuse.
Workers from different walks of life are being encouraged to spot the signs of abuse, providing information to police when they are concerned.
It is eminently sensible to involve the wider community in the war on abuse. It is a scourge that blights innocent lives and causes permanent damage.
Those who become victims are more likely to suffer from mental health issues, employment problems, relationship break-downs and be involved in crime during later life.
And so it is incumbent on us all to do what we can. The police and other agencies are right to spearhead a community-wide programme of reporting.
In Telford, the issue of child abuse remains high on the agenda.
It has generated national concern in recent months and so it is reassuring to hear of the work being done to tackle this most abhorrent of crimes.
The initiatives lined up by the police appear to both sensible and proactive.
And while there may be varying views on police officer numbers, the fact is that even with much greater resources, the police cannot be everywhere all of the time.
Therefore, this ongoing education to help people spot the signs of child abuse is a welcome step forward.
We all have a duty to assist society’s most vulnerable citizens. Lending a helping hand, being engaged with other residents and knowing right from wrong helps to define us. It makes us human, it helps to separate good societies from bad.
It is important that people have adequate training.
The police must not create a system whereby people casually make unsupported allegations, for the lives of innocent people can be damaged if they are misreported for things they have not done.
Similarly, police must have in place safeguards so that they cannot be used by those with ill intent who make malicious reports without supporting evidence.
The workers being trained by police are already on the frontline and are well placed to spot the signs of abuse. They can act as the eyes and ears of officers.
But they should not be the only participants in a drive to make Telford safer.
All of us can, and should, play a part.
