'Shame must change sides'

FODEN VICTIMS' 'ASTOUNDING BRAVERY' HAILED IN SENEDD AS POLITICIANS URGE BACKING FOR CAMPAIGN TO SHIFT SEX ABUSE STIGMA ON TO OFFENDERS

- Balo Spriigeon

THE "astounding bravery" of young victims impacted by the crimes of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden has been praised in Cardiff.

It came as Arfon's Plaid Cymru MS Sian Gwenllian sought support in the Senedd for a campaign which draws attention to the pain suffered by sexual abuse victims.

The Plaid Cymru politician had called for official recognition of an annual remembrance day and to a fly a flag every May 1 to honour victims of sexual violence.

It was part of efforts to place the "burden of shame" on perpetrators, not victims, of sexual abuse.

The campaign echoes the sentiment of campaigner Gisele Pelicot, that "shame must change sides".

First Minister Eluned Morgan had agreed to look into backing the 'Not My Shame' initiative.

Cyngor Gwynedd recently voted to support the cause, and is the first council in Wales to fly the campaign flag at the council's offices in Caernarfon.

The initiative follows the shocking crimes of Neil Foden, the former head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor, and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes.

Foden, 66, from Old Colwyn was imprisoned for 17 years, after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls over a four-year period.