News
Hollywood star helps us to raise awareness of sexual abuse
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Hollywood actor and director, David Schwimmer, has given CHILDREN 1ST permission to host a private screening of his film, Trust.
Trust, directed by David Schwimmer and starring Clive Owen, tells the story of a family dealing with the repercussions of their teenage daughter becoming the victim of online grooming and a subsequent sexual assault. The charity is holding the event to mark the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and Violence against Children and to help raise awareness of child sexual abuse, internet safety and the impact of abuse and violence on families.
Speaking in support of the screening, David Schwimmer said: "I'm really pleased that CHILDREN 1ST has decided to host a charity screening of Trust and I support the work they do to take action for vulnerable children and families in Scotland.
I created Trust to raise awareness of online grooming and to ask people to consider carefully who they put their trust in, both online and off, when it comes to children.
The internet is a fantastic resource and can play a positive role in all of our lives, but we need to protect those most vulnerable - our children - from individuals using it to gain access to them and cause them harm."
The film will be shown to an invited audience on Tuesday 22 November at the Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh. After the film, Alison Todd, Director of Policy and Practice Development at CHILDREN 1ST and Graham Goulden of the Violence Reduction Unit will lead a short discussion on the issues the film raises.
Alison Todd, Director of Policy and Practice Development for CHILDREN 1ST, said: “At CHILDREN 1ST we support children, young people and families across Scotland affected by abuse and violence and we are very grateful that we have been given permission to show Trust to help us raise awareness of this important issue.
We know of many cases where a child or young person has been exposed to information or images they find traumatic or has been asked for information and images of themselves. In a worst case scenario, it can lead to a child arranging to meet someone in real life they have met online and being physically harmed.
In order to protect their children from potential risks from engaging in online communities, adults must educate themselves and speak to their children openly about going online and using social networking sites. For more information or if anyone has any concerns or would like further information or support, I would recommend that they get in touch with ParentLine Scotland on 0800 028 2233 or email parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk.”
Graham Goulden, National Anti-Violence Campaign Coordinator for the Violence Reduction Unit, added: “The film Trust sends out an important message not only to young people who use the internet but also to their parents who need to look closely at what their children are doing whilst online.
The film identifies the role that we all have in supporting victims if we suspect something is not right. Society has a role as an active bystander to support victims and challenge a climate which often contributes to the type of abuse that is discussed within the film.”
Last updated: Tuesday 22 November 2011
