Abuse

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) happens when any person exploits a child and can take many different forms. Like other forms of abuse, a child or young person could be unaware of what’s happening. Regardless of any notion of consent, it is abuse.

CSA can take place in many different ways. It could be in person, online or a combination of both and it has a devastating and long-lasting effect on children and young people. It often leads to a range of physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing issues throughout their lives.

Abuse is very under-reported and a UK study found that as many as one in five girls and one in four boys had experienced CSA. The most important thing to remember is the child is NEVER to blame and speaking out to a trusted adult will help. For more information, the NSPCC and Childline websites can help.