Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing.

They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children..

Child sexual abuse has a long-term impact on the child lasting well into adulthood and potentially causing physical and psychological problems later in life (see The impacts of child sexual abuse | CSA Centre). This type of abuse is one of the most difficult for children, young people and adults to speak about and for family members and professionals to identify, and often remains hidden even in plain sight ( For more information on the experience of survivors see Truth Project | IICSA Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse)

Sexual abuse is just as common as other forms of childhood abuse. Children who have been sexually abused may display a range of emotional and behavioural reactions which professionals should be alert to Effects | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org).  

Sexual abuse is difficult for children and young people to talk about, research, guidance and children have told us to notice the signs and indicators that a child is being sexually abused, to listen and ask them about what is happening and not wait for them to tell a professional or otherwise (Communicating-with-children-guide.pdf - csacentre.org.uk).

It is estimated that 15% of girls/young women and 5% of boys/young men experience some sexual abuse before the age of 16 ( Infographics | CSA Centre) the SSCP Child Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-2026 highlights our commitment to identify and respond to child sexual abuse appropriately whilst listening to children.

A national review into child sexual abuse within the family environment

I wanted them all to notice: Protecting children and responding to child sexual abuse within the family environment

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has released their latest report, titled "National Review into Child Sexual Abuse within the Family Environment." The report highlights that safeguarding agencies lacked the necessary skills and support to effectively listen to, understand, and protect children from severe abuse. It urges the government to swiftly implement a national action plan to safeguard and support children at risk. The SSCP will consider the recommendations on local and national safeguarding practice improvements highlighted in the report

You can also read the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Newsletter - Special Edition Nov 2024 which includes a practitioner briefing and a Webinar: Child Sexual Abuse within the Family Environment Tickets, Wed 15 Jan 2025 at 12:00

Please note that resources shared here are in addition to your mandatory safeguarding training requirement. Multi-agency training for child sexual abuse is also be promoted and available via the SSCP Training Programme.

Members of the workforce and members of the public with any level of contact with children, young people and adults who may identify possible abuse or neglect.

Members of the workforce with regular, co-ordinated and targeted contact with children, young people parents/carers adults and their carers. This group may be in a position to identify concerns about possible abuse or neglect, including those that may arise from the use of early help assessments and multi-agency support.

Members of the workforce providing regular, co-ordinated, targeted and specialist support to children, young people parents/carers and adults and their carers could lead and contribute to assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating the needs of a child, adult and wider family where there are safeguarding concerns including statutory, specialist, early help assessments and multi-agency support.

Members of the workforce with leadership or management responsibilities for safeguarding children and adults within their role or service, including named or designated lead professionals for their organisation or setting. This group may also be required to undertake specialist or strategic level training to implement the multi-agency safeguarding children and adult arrangements, in line with regulations, policies and emerging needs.