UKIP's Chris Baksa wants independent unit for victims of child abuse

Chris Baksa, Rochdale UKIP

Chris Baksa, the UKIP candidate for Rochdale in the forthcoming general election, says he wants to set up an independent unit in Rochdale for people who have suffered child abuse.

He said that after speaking to those who have suffered such abuse he feels able to go public about a disturbing incident when he was a boy.

He explained: "When I was a young boy, like many I had a newspaper round to make a bit of extra money

"When out delivering my newspapers one day I was caught short and needed a wee. As I stood there I became aware of a presence behind me. As I turned around there was a man peering over my shoulder, leering at what he saw and I will never forget his face or the look on it.

"I remember kicking him as hard as I could as I made my escape, as I had to get out of there as quickly as I could. I was scared.

"I was only young, just a boy and I was terrified absolutely terrified.

"This happened over 40 years ago and it still scares me to this day wondering about the what ifs and what could have happened.

"My experience pales in comparison but it gives me an insight into the fear and vulnerability felt by a child when an adult crosses the line.

"Child abuse is a sickness.

"Those who commit this crime are sick, there is no other word for it, and now that I am an adult I am in a position to do something to help those who have suffered because of this.

"Which is why I want to set up an independent unit in Rochdale where people who have suffered abuse in this town can come and tell us their story. No pressure, we just want to know the scale of this."