Protecting children must be a top priority across UK & Europe

2.09.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th Oct 2005

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has launched its newest campaign Talk 'til it stops designed to organize people across the UK and Europe to act against child cruelty. The FULL STOP Week, which began yesterday, encourages people to speak openly about child abuse and take action to end it.

The week will see millions of households receive a child protection survey - the largest-ever UK distribution. The week also coincides with the launch of a website, www.talktilitstops.org.uk - an online forum that can answer questions about child abuse and explore ways of ending it.

Liz Lynne, MEP for the West-Midlands said,

"I wore my NSPCC green badge yesterday and will continue to wear it in the hopes that other MEPs will do the same and we can all raise awareness of child abuse throughout Europe.

"The FULL STOP Week is a welcome and encouraging campaign. I hope Beverley Hughes, the Minister for Children, Young People and Families, embraces the new campaign and introduces her own initiative to end child abuse.

"I think it is an excellent idea to extend this campaign across UK borders and into the rest of Europe. Making the European public aware of the situation is vital - child abuse is not just the regrettable preserve of the UK, but a European and worldwide problem. It is only right we make people aware at least at a European level."

ENDS.