Esther Rantzen discusses the controversial issue of child sexual abuse with guests. They include a leading children's doctor, an expert who works with the treatment of offenders, and a victim of sexual abuse. They discuss some of the important issues raised by tonight's play, Testimony of a Child.
The extent of the sexual abuse of children was revealed by the events in Cleveland in 1987, where 123 children were diagnosed as being at risk.
Since then, various legal measures have strengthened parents' rights, but have children's rights been neglected?
Is there enough done for the abuser? What sort of person is he, and is it possible to change his way of life? Producers LOUISE PANTON and JOHN MORRELL