Bernadette Walker Murder Trial: Advice for youngsters on what to do if they - or a friend - are being abused after murdered teenager made allegations before she was killed

Scott Walker was not charged with, and was not convicted, of any sexual offences, and there was no evidence he committed such offences. He denies ever abusing Bernadette.

However, Scott Walker - known to Bernadette as ‘dad’ but not her real father - was convicted of murdering the Peterborough teenager, as well as four counts of perverting the course of justice.

During the trial, it was revealed Bernadette Walker told friends on social media she was being abused. Those friends advised her to tell her mum about the allegations, which led Scott Walker to hear of them.

Bernadette then went to stay with her grandparents overnight, with Scott Walker picking her up on July 18 last year. She was never seen again, and her body has never been found.

Lizzy Dening, from the Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group said there were a range of agencies and groups who could offer support to anyone who has been abused, or whose friends have been abused.

The spokeswoman said; “The first and most important thing we’d like teenagers and children (and, in fact, all survivors of sexual abuse) to know is that it’s not their fault. They aren’t to blame for what’s happened to them, no matter the circumstances. The second thing is that there is free, confidential support available, in a variety of different ways, depending on what best suits them.

“At Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group we offer support via our website (www.prccg.org.uk), a helpline (which is currently being run via our sister centre in Cambridge, 01223 245 888) and there is also text and live chat support available through the national charity Rape Crisis England and Wales — find links on our website.

“It might feel scary to seek help, but you won’t be pressured to do anything or go to the police if you don’t want to. Sometimes it can just feel good to share what’s worrying you with someone who understands, and to know all of your options. You can also access support if you’re worried about a friend. You’re not alone in this.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This is a deeply disturbing case in which a teenager was murdered by a man who should have been protecting and nurturing her.

“These horrific circumstances, which will have shocked anyone following this case, are mercifully rare. But we know that abuse and neglect take place every day in too many homes across the country, each damaging a child’s future.

“We all have a duty to look out for the welfare of children. The NSPCC helpline is here for anyone with concerns about a child on 0808 800 5000 or at [email protected], while Childline is available on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk.”

Emma Motherwell, campaigns manager for the NSPCC, said there were a number of different forms of abuse - and everyone had responsibility to look out for the signs that young people were being abused.

Ms Motherwell said: “Everyone has a responsibility to look out for the welfare of children and young people, which is why it’s really important for whole communities to understand the different forms of abuse, how to recognise the signs, and how to report any concerns they may have with the confidence that they will be listened to.

“It is a daunting concept to accept this reality, but the isolating and somewhat gripping hold that long-term abuse can have on child or young person can affect the rest of their adult lives, impacting their mental health and reducing their quality of life.

“At the NSPCC, we know that abuse is often committed by those known to a child or young person such as a person close to the family, a relative, or someone they consider a friend.

“It’s why equipping whole communities to be able to spot the signs of abuse and know how to get help is such a strong defence. Often children and young people won’t be aware that what’s happening to them is abuse, which is why - in an age-appropriate way – the NSPCC offers free Speak out Stay safe virtual assemblies to every primary school so that children know about our free Childline service and how to get support if they’re ever worried about something.

“Child abuse can take many forms and offenders can be of any background, gender or age. They can even be under the age of 18 and we call this peer-on-peer abuse. Often a child abused by a peer may believe that they are in a friendship or relationship with that person.

“If a child is being abused or neglected it is never their fault, and it’s likely that the perpetrator will go to great lengths, often known as gaslighting, to put blame on their victim instead of themselves.”

There are also a range of options for youngsters on where to get help, either for themselves or for friends affected by abuse.

Ms Motherwell said; “Young people who are abused by a peer are often reluctant to come forward and disclose their experiences for a number of reasons, such as being considered a ‘snitch’, concerns about what other people will think of them, or for fear of getting themselves in trouble.

“If the offender is an adult, perhaps someone known to the young person, then there is often an element of guilt about speaking out. Abusers are good at shifting blame, silencing a young person by making threats that they’ll be taken away from their home or get into trouble with the police for lying. The reality is they won’t, they will be listened to and they will be taken seriously.

“The level of worry and fear for speaking out can be daunting and sometimes gut wrenching, but doing this is often the only way to end abuse.

“Our Speak out Stay safe assemblies help children identify trusted adults they can speak to about something happening to them or a worry that they have. It might include a relative, friend, teacher, club leader or another trusted adult in their community.

“It helps them understand that if they are worried about a friend, or a friend confides in them about abuse, that the best way to support them is to go with them to seek the help of a trusted adult.

“Our trained counsellors at Childline are available 24/7 to listen to the concerns of children and young people too. They can be contacted via telephone, email or via the website’s one to one chat. Children and young people also can speak to likeminded young people who have had similar experiences via the Childline message forums.

“Any form of abuse will take a toll on a young person’s mental health and may impact their lives long into adulthood. Early intervention is the key to stopping it in its tracks and speaking out, as scary as it seems, is an essential first step.

“As an adult, if a child or young person ever discloses abuse, it’s important to listen carefully to what they say and let them know speaking out was the right thing to do. If the child is in immediate danger, always call 999, but to seek advice or support contact the NSPCC helpline on 0800 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.