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Arsenal and England star Theo Walcott backs the Don't hide it campaign! on matchworldcup.com
"The problem of abuse has been an issue really close to my heart for a long time now. Every day I meet youngsters who look up to footballers as their heroes - the same way I did as a kid with Maradona. That gives me an opportunity to speak out about things that are important in their lives. It's a responsibility I enjoy."
"The campaign is all about encouraging youngsters to speak out if they are worried that they or someone they know is being sexually abused. No-one should have to put up with those things. NO-ONE. And contrary to what some kids may think, there IS help available if they can just speak out…"
"All of us are surrounded by violence - on TV, in movies, on the streets, in our schools, and on computer games. When it's not affecting you directly, you don't give it a second thought. But unfortunately, it can affect any one of us, at any time"
Remember, violence and abuse is wrong, whoever is doing it. It's never your fault, and you are not alone. It can stop, but you need to take the first step and speak out."
"Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on children; it can destroy lives and cause psychological and emotional harm to families
The NSPCC's Don't Hide It campaign wants to let children know that it is ok to speak out and get help about any sort of abuse and violence in their lives. Telling someone can help make the violence stop."
"Children can feel under all sorts of pressure and often it is those they love the most that they are scared of letting down. If a child feels scared about anything they should always talk to someone. Telling someone what you're frightened of can help make things better"
"When I was at school I was the chubby kid the other kids didn't want on their team. I was always picked last or not at all. I always got moaned at by the bossy captain or the sports obsessed kids.
My advice is try your best. If you keep getting hassle from your fellow pupils or so called friends talk to your parents, someone at school, or the NSPCC. I was lucky enough to talk to my mum and dad who helped me through it, and I survived!
Remember we've all been there. Good luck!"
"For children and young people who have been abused, being able to talk to someone they trust about what has happened to them takes a huge amount of courage and bravery. But, sharing problems can be the best way to get help.
"I know how easy it is to keep problems all bottled up inside, that's why I am really proud to be supporting the NSPCC's Don't hide it campaign, and helping to reassure children that, whatever has happened to them, they don't have to hide it anymore."
"This is a hugely important campaign which is why I am giving it my full support. Abuse makes children feel alone, guilty, frightened and worthless and no-one should ever have to go through such a painful experience. I want everyone to know that all sexual abuse is absolutely wrong, whoever does it! If this has happened to you, don't feel guilty - it's not your fault.
"The best thing to do is to find someone to turn to and speak out. This is not easy to do and takes a lot of courage, particularly for boys, who often find it harder to talk about their feelings and ask for help. But, no matter how macho you are, telling someone is the best way to get help and make things better.
"Always remember, you are not alone and help is never far away."
"Just imagine it was your child, your five year old, waiting in a dark room. Alone. Waiting for a monster to come and rape them. Again and again and again. Do you think that is unthinkable? It is an everyday occurrence for some children and we have to stop it. No-one, no-one, should have to live with the pain and suffering that sexual abuse can cause.
"That is why I am giving my full backing to the NSPCC's latest campaign Don't hide it, which is also calling on the government to provide therapeutic services to all children traumatised by sexual abuse. I have been to one of these therapy centres, where these children, their lives are ruined, but the NSPCC are helping them to put the pieces back together again. It really is extraordinary work."
"I'm very pleased to see the NSPCC tackling sexual abuse directly in this manner. Only in
talking about it, in making it possible to bring such matters into the open, can we make significant progress in eradicating it."
Listen to what author Torey Hayden has to say in support of the NSPCC's latest campaign.
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Listen to low band version
Ashley Slanina-Davies, 16, plays Hollyoaks' Amy Barnes. The character has been involved in a pressure sex storyline.
"Feeling pressured into sexual situations is definitely a common thing - people want to fit in. In Hollyoaks when Amy had sex with Steve, she felt disgusted with herself afterwards. He's just a random lad, and she should have waited until she was in a relationship with someone special. But Amy was naïve and her friend Michaela made her feel there was something wrong with her if she didn't do it.
"I'd advise anyone who's feeling pressure from a lad or a mate to stick to their guns! They should see you're strong and stop pressuring you. But if they don't make sure you tell someone."
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.