Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is any kind of sexual activity that happens to children or young people under the age of 18.

Child sexual abuse can

• Include sexual activity where there is physical contact. For example, rape, masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching on top of clothes.
  
  
• Include sexual activity where there is no physical contact. For example, taking sexual photos or videos of children or young people, or involving them in looking at sexual images or watching sexual activity.
  
  
• Happen in person, online or over the phone.
  
  
• Be carried out by an adult or by another child or young person.
  
  
• Include sexual activity where the child or young person is given money or something that they want or need 'in return' – what is known as 'child sexual exploitation'.

There are lots of different terms (words) that people use when talking about child sexual abuse.

• Familial (also known as 'intra-familial')
• Institutional
• So-called 'peer-on-peer'
• Image-based
• Online
• Sexual Exploitation
• Grooming

Any child is at risk of being sexual abused. It's important to remember that both boys and girls can be sexually abused.

Most children who've been sexual abused are abused by someone they know. This could be a family member, a friend or someone who has targeted them, like a teacher or sports coach.

Some children are more at risk of sexual abuse. Children with disabilities are more likely to be sexually abused, especially those who are unable to tell someone what's happening or don't understand what's happening to them is abuse.

At HERSANA, we acknowledge that those who experience intersectional discrimination face greater vulnerability to all forms of child sexual abuse, with an additional emphasis on harmful practices such as female genital cutting, "honour"-based abuse, forced marriage and more.

If something happened to you as child that didn't feel right – either now or at the time – then it could have been sexual abuse.

For lots of people who think they might have experienced child sexual abuse, it can be really helpful to talk about what happened to them with someone they trust.

If you have experienced child sexual abuse of any kind – whether it was recently or a long time ago – HERSANA is here for you. We will listen to you, believe you and create a safe space for you.

If you think a child is being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, dial 999 or contact your local authority social care department, or the NSPCC. Find out where else to get help if you're worried about a child.

If you are worried that a child may be being sexually abused it is important that you share that concern, the information you have may help professionals to build a picture about what might be happening to a child and help them.