Child abuse survivor urges victims to speak out

A teenager who was groomed and sexually abused by a firefighter when she was 13 is urging anyone in a situation like hers "to speak up and tell someone".

Scott Cameron was 37 when he started his two-year campaign of abuse after finding his victim's phone number in a card she sent to another Merseyside firefighter following a school visit, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court in March for a range of child sexual offences against the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Now 17, the survivor is backing a campaign launched by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner against paedophiles who prey on children, urging people to "Call it what it is".

The teenager pleaded with anyone going through a similar ordeal to speak out "no matter how difficult it is".

She also urged parents to check their children's phones "otherwise they won't know what could be going on".

Cameron began texting his victim after seeing her number on a card she had addressed to another firefighter, following a community visit to her school.

Cameron's messages turned sexual and he demanded she send him nude photographs.

"It was when I've sent one image to him and he began threatening me that I had to send more, or he'd expose that one to my entire school," she said.

"I was scared of him and he told me he was dangerous and he'd hurt people and he'd send my pictures everywhere."

She told BBC Radio Merseyside that even when the police got involved it was extremely hard to tell them the truth, but in the end she did.

She said: "I lied at first because I was really scared.

"He knew where I lived, he knew my way to school but I decided from what the police said to me that he could do it to anyone... and I felt really guilty... so I ended up telling them."

Cameron is now serving a 12-year jail term for the offences against her and a further year for a further offence in relation to a separate victim.

The survivor is speaking out to support Merseyside Police and the region's police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell's 'Call it what it is' campaign, targeting child sex abusers.

"It's ruining their teenage or childhood experience and it's going to impact their future relationships and ability to trust people," the survivor said.

"I think parents should tell their kids there are no secrets between adults and children...so they are able to tell the parents everything."

She added: "I think parents should be checking devices."

The campaign was launched on New Brighton beach at the start of the school summer holidays "when young people are out of school and may spend more time out with friends".

Det Insp Steve Croasdale said: "This campaign is aimed squarely at those who prey on children and young people. Giving gifts, attention or affection to gain a young person's trust and then exploiting them is grooming and it is child sexual abuse.

"We want perpetrators to understand that their actions are recognised, they are being monitored, and they will be pursued."

He said: "We want to help people recognise the signs, understand the risks and feel confident reporting their concerns.

"Protecting children is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help safeguard those most at risk."

Spurrell added: "Too often, perpetrators hide behind language that seeks to minimise or excuse their behaviour. They call it a relationship, a friendship, a secret or a favour. We are calling it what it is: child sexual abuse."

She added: "This campaign is aimed directly at offenders, making it clear that grooming and child sexual abuse are crimes and those who commit these appalling offences will be identified and brought to justice."

Spurrell added: "I am also urging parents, carers and communities to look out for the warning signs of exploitation. By recognising the risks and reporting concerns early, we can help to keep children across our region safe."

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