Book description
In October 1986 ChildLine - the first national helpline for
children in the world - was launched. With it came a revolution in
child protection. For the first time abused children had someone they
could ask for help. The launch of ChildLine was broadcast on BBC TV on
October 30th. Watching in her quiet, respectable home in a small rural
town was Jo, a clever, troubled fourteen year old. Suddenly Jo, the
silent victim of sexual abuse by her parents' closest friend, no
longer felt utterly alone. For the first time, she was being offered
help, there on the screen. She was one of 50,000 children who tried to
ring that night. In the end she got through to a counsellor and her
life changed forever. In Running Out of Tears Esther Rantzen, founder
of ChildLine, tells Jo's story, together with those of many other
survivors. Each of these tales is testament to the achievement of
ChildLine in teaching the nation how to listen to children who are
suffering abuse and giving a voice to the most vulnerable group in
society. The book also details landmark events in the last 25 years of
ChildLine's existence: The crucial involvement of Princess Diana; The
support from then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; The investigation
into a school owned and run by a paedophile that would lead to a
change in the law; The 250 other children's help lines set up around
the world with ChildLine's help. Although these personal stories are
disturbing they each have an uplifting, inspiring message. Hope and
help is within a child's reach - only a phone call away.
Esther Rantzen is a journalist, broadcaster and founder of ChildLine.
