The Governor of Bermuda, together with his wife Margaret, has joined the long list of public figures to receive training in preventing child sexual abuse.

“Child sexual abuse is all too often hidden,” said Governor George Fergusson. “It is an underlying source of misery, which can be found right across societies, including in Bermuda. People need to make themselves aware of this issue. First, to protect children — but also, by knowing the risks, people and institutions can protect themselves.”

Delivered by anti child sexual abuse charity Saving Children and Revealing Secrets (SCARS), the training is designed to educate adults on how to recognise, prevent and react responsibility to child sexual abuse.

“Everyone can learn how to organise events, programmes and organisations to minimise risk,” said Mr Fergusson. “Everyone should know the signs to look out for and what to do if you spot them. My wife and I have recently done SCARS’ excellent course. I applaud SCARS’ work and recommend everyone to do a child protection course, even if their interaction with children is limited.”

Mr Fergusson is the latest in a growing number of lawyers, judges, politicians and public officials to attend the three-hour programme, called “Darkness to Light ‘Stewards of Children’”.

“[The programme] is the only course available in Bermuda that is scientifically proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child-protective behaviours,” said Debi Ray-Rivers, executive director of SCARS Bermuda. She said the charity’s objective is to train 2,250 adults in Bermuda within five years “in order to achieve the recognised tipping point for creating a cultural shift towards positive societal values and behaviours.

“We are grateful to the Governor and his wife for taking the time to set an example by completing the training and in turn helping us to raise awareness and engage the community in our very important mission.”

For more information and for training schedules visit the SCARS Bermuda website.