More than 2,000 residents have now been trained on how to protect children from sexual abuse — and more are urged to sign up.

The free course is run by SCARS (Saving Children and Revealing Secrets), a Bermuda charity that aims to reduce the risk of youngsters being molested and tries to be a voice for victims and their families.

The charity — which is celebrating its third anniversary on Monday — is running a training class this Saturday and is keen for anyone interested in protecting youngsters to register.

The class was due to be held last Saturday but had to be postponed because of Hurricane Gonzalo — meaning a few people cannot make it, so spaces are now available.

“Join the fraternity of those who have been trained and help your child to be able to use their voice and protect themselves,” said SCARS founder Debi Ray-Rivers.

SCARS’s resources include the award-winning Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training programme, and the charity started running free classes in May 2012.

The US training teaches adults how to prevent, recognise and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and the classes are free thanks to the generosity of corporate donors.

Teachers have taken part in SCARS’s classes, as have police officers, charities, church groups, sports organisations, support agencies, Government staff and prosecutors.

The class will be held in the Argus building, Trott Road, Hamilton, from 9am until noon. Advance registration is required, e-mail training@scars.bm or call 297-2277.