The first public discussions about child sexual abuse took place in the 1980s. Given the taboo around sex in general, any discussion around the subject was difficult. But people were not unaware of abuse. As early as the 1930s, as Garda commissioner, Eoin O’Duffy revealed harrowing statistics when he testified before a committee on juvenile prostitution. He reported that the force had investigated more 400 cases of sexual abuse of girls between 1924 and 1929. Needless to say, my mother did not excuse me from sex ed. She felt it was important to reinforce the lessons I was learning at home. And, I doubt she knew that “Sex Ed” really meant “Abstinence Ed.” That the entire week would center around scary young adolescents out of engaging in sex of any kind. I decided to do the unthinkable, I suggested to May that she could sometimes date Edmund in my place – without his knowledge. He could not tell us apart anyway. As in Sophie’s family, some abusers target vulnerable women with low self-esteem and limited or chequered relationships; it makes their children easier targets. Shane Warne's children reveal they believe the legend 'might still be with us today' if he'd taken one simple step before that fateful trip to Thailand

Kelly Clarkson, 41, looks thin in a belted leather jumpsuit that highlights her newly slender figure after losing a dramatic amount of weight Prince William breaks cover as he arrives at the Tusk Conservation Awards - amid Omid Scobie's claims he rejected opportunities to meet Prince Harry

Despite her tireless effort to make sure that I was prepared, I wasn’t. She had no way of knowing the challenges I would face, or the way that my spirit would be broken. It’s demanding work, she says. “My hardest day was when I met the wife of a man who had offended against his niece. She said, ‘That child has been a slut since she was two.’ After being on the programme the abuser’s wife changed her mind, and was upset that she had ever thought that.” We can never root them all out and destroy them, so we have to start thinking about how to protect children, and that is by offering children comprehensive and healthy sex education, as well as by providing humane treatment for abusers. Emerald Emma! Marchioness of Bath is effortlessly elegant in silky green gown as she and her husband chat to Prince William at Tusk Conservation Awards Or at least that’s what we all thought. The days leading up to sex ed were filled with blushing cheeks, whispers, and giggles as we all prepared ourselves to learn about the mysteries of sex. Some people bluffed about already “knowing it all” while others were shy and nervous about the week ahead.

Adele poses with BFF Alan Carr, 47, on the night she confirmed she had married Rich Paul - and the comedian's new toyboy lover, 27, took the photo As Beyonce unveils oddly light-skinned look...experts warn of the life-threatening effects of skin bleaching treatments, including comaSophie, the abuse survivor who is now a counselling psychologist, says that public attitudes, inflamed by traditional and social media, have hurt her. His brother did send him a written apology. “Was this enough for me? Nothing is enough. Chopping off his arms and legs would not be enough. I have realised that the only way through is acceptance and forgiveness. Not for him but because it is what I need.” Stop It Now! Amanda Holden looks stunning in a sexy gold slip as she playfully blows bubbles from a bath during her latest festive TV advert Suffering sleepless nights? Tossing and turning? Find your slumber solutions with MyPillow, the most comfortable pillow you'll ever own... GUARANTEED! I understand why people want to wipe abusers off the face of the planet. ‘Cut their balls off,’ they declare. But this wouldn’t stop child abusers who are driven by power. They are not something out there: they are our brothers, father, uncles, sons and friends.

I was given the opportunity to learn, and a platform to speak for myself. I was encouraged to explore and experience, to love and to care. I was given all of the gifts that a child can ask for and all of the support to soar into a future without bounds.They got married in 1988 when she was 24 and, after the birth of their children, set up a company designing bags and shoes. ‘You do learn by your mistakes,’ she says. ‘We made hairpieces like scrunchies when they were fashionable, and they were OK, but then we did leather jewellery like earrings – disastrous!’