The extent of child sexual abuse

In more than three quarters of cases, an adult the child knows and trusts commits the abuse. The vast majority of abusers are men but women are also capable of sexual abuse.

Child Sexual Abuse is any type of sexual assault on a child under 16. Sexual abuse takes many forms: explicit sexual talk; showing pornography; sexual touching; lack of privacy to bath or undress; masturbation; and sexual intercourse.

Why do children stay silent?

	They may have been threatened with further abuse and violence if they tell
	They may well be afraid that no one would believe them
	They may feel entirely to blame for the abuse
	They may not be able to describe or understand what has happened to them
	They may want to protect the family or even the abuser

You cannot be responsible for consenting to an act you didn’t understand or which you were forced into or had no choice about.

The abuser is always to blame for the abuse

We recognise however that some children are made or forced to abuse other children as part of their abuse. These children often have no choice, e.g. if you don’t do this, you will be killed. These children are not to blame.

No matter how long ago you were abused, your feelings about what happened to you are important. You have the right to be listened to, no matter what you want to say. Through speaking about your abuse you may well be able to overcome any difficulties that you experience as an adult.

	A loss of self-confidence, self esteem and self respect
	Feeling dirty, ashamed, suicidal, guilty, angry, sad, confused or to blame
	Being unable to trust people
	Experiencing flashbacks of what happened

	Self-harm / self-injury e.g. cutting, scratching or burning
	Forgetting or minimising the abuse. Alcohol, drug use
	Breaking ties with, or confronting, the abuser
	Speaking about it and receiving support. Writing about the abuse

Adult survivors may cope with past abuse by…

Who can I speak to?

A lot of survivors feel the need to speak to someone about the effects child sexual abuse has had on their lives. Your feelings are as individual as you are - no two survivors will feel exactly the same. Talking to someone can help the healing process.

Our centres offer support (by telephone, letter and in support sessions) for survivors of rape, child sexual abuse and any other form of sexual abuse. Their helplines have a 24-hour answering machine, so if you leave a message with your name and contact number they would get back to you discreetly and as soon as possible. Support sessions can be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

We provide occasional support groups for survivors. This can help reduce the isolation so often felt by survivors and provides a safe setting to meet people who have had similar experiences.

The service centres offer is run by women for women, and is free and confidential. They may be able to help with reasonable costs for travelling and childcare. Signers and translators are available on request.