Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) can have enduring consequences for the survivors. For many the impact is significant and life-long. These can include acute feelings of betrayal and mistrust, powerlessness, stigmatization, guilt, self-loathing and traumatic sexualisation, physical and mental health problems, and difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
Types of CSA
Contact abuse - involves touching activities where an abuser makes physical contact with a child.
Non-contact abuse - involves non-touching activities, such as grooming, exploitation, persuading children to perform sexual acts over the internet and flashing, showing pornography to a child, sexual exploitation of a child.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity
- in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or
- for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. (DfE, 2017)
Most children and young people do not tell anyone at the time of their abuse, or are more likely to tell a friend or family member than to speak to a professional.
Children may not understand that what is happening to them is wrong or inappropriate. They may have been threatened and be scared to say anything. Recognising signs of sexual abuse may be the first step in helping children to have their voice heard.