They're also more likely to self-harm, become involved in criminal behaviour, misuse drugs and alcohol, and to die by suicide as young adults. In the long term, people who have been sexually abused are more likely to suffer with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the short term, children may suffer health issues, such as sexually transmitted infections, physical injuries and unwanted pregnancies. Sexual abuse can cause serious physical and emotional harm to children both in the short term and the long term. Social media, chat rooms and web forums are all used by child sex abusers to groom potential victims.įind out more about how to talk to your child about their feelings What are the effects of child sexual abuse? Children who live in families where there is child neglect, for example, are more at risk.ĭisabled children are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse, especially if they have difficulties with speech or language.Ĭhildren can also be at risk when using the internet. Which children are at risk of child sexual abuse?Ĭhildren are more vulnerable to sexual abuse if they've already experienced abuse of some kind. They may seek out opportunities to be alone with the child. You may notice that an abuser gives a child special treatment, offering them gifts, treats and outings. Sexual abuse can sometimes happen outside the home, for example, at leisure and sports clubs. Child sexual abuse often happens either in the child's home or the abuser's home. Most abusers are male, but females sometimes abuse children too.Īround a third of child sexual abuse is carried out by other, usually older, children or young people.ĩ out of 10 children know or are related to their abuser. People who sexually abuse children can be adult, adolescent or a child themselves. If you're a child and someone is sexually abusing you, you can get help and advice from ChildLine – call 0800 1111, calls are free and confidential. If you're concerned about your own thoughts or behaviour towards children, you can phone Stop It Now! in confidence on 0808 1000 900 or contact Stop It Now! securely by email. The NSPCC has more information and advice about child sexual abuse. If you are a health professional and suspect a child you're caring for is experiencing abuse or is at risk of abuse, you can seek advice from the "named nurse" or "named doctor" in your hospital or care setting. Or you can report sexual abuse to the NSPCC via email or online. You can also get advice or report your concerns anonymously to the NSPCC by phoning its free helpline on 08. You can talk directly to the police or your local children's social services and this can be anonymous. It's best not to delay if you suspect a child is being sexually abused. Giving clues – children may also drop hints and clues that the abuse is happening without revealing it outright.Problems at school – an abused child may have difficulty concentrating and learning, and their grades may start to drop.Physical problems – the child may develop health problems, including soreness in the genital and anal areas or sexually transmitted infections, or they may become pregnant.Sexually inappropriate behaviour – children who have been abused may behave in sexually inappropriate ways or use sexually explicit language.Avoiding the abuser – the child may dislike or seem afraid of a particular person and try to avoid spending time alone with them.Changes in behaviour – a child may start being aggressive, withdrawn, clingy, have difficulties sleeping, have regular nightmares or start wetting the bed.Here are some of the signs you may notice: What are the signs that a child is being sexually abused?Ĭhildren often do not talk about sexual abuse because they think it is their fault or they have been convinced by their abuser that it is normal or a "special secret".Ĭhildren may also be bribed or threatened by their abuser, or told they will not be believed.Ī child who is being sexually abused may care for their abuser and worry about getting them into trouble. inappropriate sexual touching of a child, whether clothed or unclothedīoth boys and girls can be victims of sexual abuse, but girls are more likely to be abused.not taking measures to protect a child from witnessing sexual activity or images.encouraging a child to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam.taking, downloading, viewing or distributing sexual images of children.engaging in any kind of sexual activity in front of a child, including watching pornography.possessing images of child sexual abuse.What is child sexual abuse?Ĭhild sexual abuse covers a range of illegal sexual activities, including: Here are the signs to be aware of and what to do if you suspect a child is being sexually abused. 1 in 20 children in the UK will experience child sexual abuse.
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