Child Sexual Abuse

Locally

'Speak Out' is our campaign designed to raise awareness of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in the family environment across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This campaign aims to take the responsibility of reporting sexual abuse away from children and young people – they may not be able to say something for a variety of reasons. Instead, we are asking adults to notice and understand the potential signs of CSA and speak out when they think something’s wrong.

Our goal is to protect children and help them begin their recovery.

Key messages:

• CSA in the family is a hidden crime. Most children and young people who are sexually abused are abused by someone they know.
• Knowing the signs and reporting cases of child sexual abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
• You don’t have to be certain it’s happening. If you’re concerned a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, speak to someone.

Nationally

• The NSPCC provide more information about the signs and indicators of child sexual abuse and also have some useful advice for parents of younger children "Talk PANTS" With the help of their friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, Talk PANTS is a simple conversation to help keep your child safe from sexual abuse.

• The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a UK-wide child protection charity that works to stop child sexual abuse.  They protect children by working with people who pose a sexual risk and diverting them from causing harm and support individuals and families who have been affected by abuse.

• They host the Stop It Now campaign and raise awareness across the UK to help adults to do their part to stop child sexual abuse by addressing personal, family and community concerns.  In March this year, we were proud to support the #StopItNow campaign in Devon and Cornwall.  For more information, visit: www.stopitnow.org.uk