A presentation designed to help parents protect their children against sex abuse is to be held tonight.

Debi Ray Rivers, founder and executive director for anti-abuse charity Scars, will provide guidance to parents on signs of potential abuse and how to tackle the problem.

Anna Francoeur, a year 12 pupil at Warwick Academy, organised the talk as part of an International Baccalaureate assignment.

Ms Francoeur, 16, said: “Scars did a similar presentation for students at Warwick Academy in November which included training and certification.

“They mentioned that they also have an hourlong presentation that they give to parents about safety awareness, spotting signs and being able to help people who have been sexually abused.

“I think that it is important that we keep our parents on the same page as the students, we are getting educated about it so I reached out to Scars and asked them if they would be willing to come to our school.”

Ms Francoeur added that reports in the media of abuse heightened the need for the community to be aware of the dangers.

She said: “It is a topical and relevant situation and it is important to keep propelling the awareness around it because if we stop giving people the information it is just going to fade. I don’t think anyone wants that. It is so important in keeping kids and adults safe.

“The presentation will include information about how parents can speak to their children, what to call certain things and how to deal with certain things.”

Ms Francoeur added: “I am interested in helping children out, I have thought about doing child psychology but I am keeping my options open.”

The free presentation will be held at Warwick Academy from 6pm to 7pm.

The seminar is open to anyone aged 18 or over, but is targeted at parents.

The presentation is part of the Scars Arms Families through Education programme.

Attendees will be asked to fill out a brief survey at the end of the event.