Child Sexual Abuse
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
Any child is at risk of being sexual abused.
Most children who experience sexual abuse are harmed by someone they know. This could be a family member, a friend, or someone who has deliberately targeted them, such as a teacher, sports coach, or another trusted adult.
Abuse can occur online or offline, and it’s important to know that perpetrators are not always adult men—women and even other children can commit sexual abuse.
Online sexual abuse can also involve someone the child knows, but it may also be carried out by a stranger who builds a relationship with them or by someone committing a one-off abusive act.
Child sexual abuse happens when a child or young person is forced, persuaded, or enticed into sexual activities—sometimes without even realising what is happening. These activities can include:
- Physical contact: such as touching, kissing, or more serious acts like assault by penetration.
- Non-contact activities: such as showing sexual images, encouraging inappropriate behaviour, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse.
It is important to remember: it is never the child's fault that they were sexually abused
Why Awareness Matters
The effects of sexual abuse can last a lifetime, impacting a child’s emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Recognising the signs early and responding appropriately can make a huge difference.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Recognising the signs of sexual abuse is crucial in giving children a voice and ensuring they receive help as early as possible. Some children may not realise that what is happening to them is wrong, while others might feel too frightened to speak out.
Possible Signs to Look Out For
- Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruising or injuries around private areas
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
- Frequent soreness or infections
- Behavioural Signs
- Sudden changes in behaviour (becoming withdrawn, anxious, or aggressive)
- Using sexual words or acting in ways that aren’t appropriate for their age
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Running away or wanting to stay away from home
- Emotional Signs
- Nightmares, trouble sleeping, or bedwetting
- Low confidence or blaming themselves
- Extreme fearfulness or clinginess
- Self-harm or talking about wanting to die
Preventing Sexual Abuse - What You Can Do
Communication is key when trying to prevent sexual abuse.
Talking to your child about healthy relationships and how to stay safe online can help prevent sexual abuse and exploitation
The NSPCC's Talk PANTS is a simple and effective way of keeping younger children safe from child sexual abuse
You can find more information here - NSPCC Talk Pants
If your child has abused someone
We understand that sometimes children can harm others, including through sexual behaviour. This can be damaging for everyone involved. Often, children who display harmful behaviour have themselves experienced abuse or neglect. In some cases, children who have been sexually abused may not realise what happened to them was wrong, which can lead them to believe their behaviour towards others is acceptable.
If your child has harmed another child sexually, or you’re concerned about their behaviour, it’s important to seek the right support for them.
What to do if a child tells you that they have been abused
If a child talks to you about sexual abuse it's important to:
- Don't promise to keep it a secret
- Listen carefully to what they're saying
- Don’t push them too much, but allow them to talk freely or answer
- Let them know they've done the right thing by telling you
- Tell them know it's not their fault
- Say you'll take them seriously
- Don't confront the alleged abuser
- Explain what you'll do next ( & who you will tell)
- Report what the child has told you as soon as possible
- Decide if they need medical attention.
If you are worried about your own behaviour towards children
If you're worried about your behaviour, help is available from organisations such as the NSPCC or Stop it Now (from the Lucy Faithful Foundation).
You can speak to someone at the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
If you are, or think you might, sexually abuse a child or young person, there's help available. Stop it now! is a free helpline offering information, guidance and support.
- Call Stop it now! – People living in the UK and Ireland can call for free on 0808 1000 900 (Monday – Thursday 9am-9pm and Friday 9am-5pm).
- Message online – Stop it now! have a secure text based chat available 24-hours a day.
Support and Resources for Parents
If you’re worried about a child or need advice, these organisations can help: