childhood

sexual abuse

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can take many forms, and every form of it is deeply harmful. Survivors may carry emotional and physical impacts long into adulthood. It is also far more common than most people realise.

csa more information:

    • Being cuddled or kissed in a way that felt uncomfortable

    • Being bathed in a way that felt uncomfortable

    • Being made to look at another person's genitals

    • Being made to touch another person's genitals

    • Unwanted touching of breasts or genitals

    • Being made to pose for sexual photographs

    • Being shown sexual films, or made to listen to sexual talk

    • Vaginal or anal penetration by a penis, finger or object

    • Being forced to perform oral sex, or have it performed on them

  • Children are most often abused by someone they know and trust: a family member, a friend, a caregiver. Abuse happens across every background, gender and social class.

  • Grooming is how many abusers operate. They spend time gaining a child's trust, then use that trust, along with bribes or threats, to keep the child compliant and the abuse hidden. It can be subtle enough that a child does not realise what is happening until they are already being manipulated.

what does the law say?

A child aged thirteen or under cannot give consent to sexual activity of any kind, regardless of what was said, signed, or how their body responded. Penile penetration of a child in this age group is automatically classed as rape, whether or not the child believed they had consented.

There is no single offence of ‘childhood sexual abuse’ however, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 lists the following crimes:

  • To penetrate with a penis the vagina, anus or mouth of a person aged 12 years and under.

  • To touch a child sexually

  • To penetrate sexually the vagina or anus with any part of a body (human or animal) or object.

  • including causing a child to watch sexual activity, or grooming or procuring a child with intent to commit any of the above

Signs a child may be experiencing abuse

These reactions can also appear in children who have experienced other kinds of trauma, so none is proof on its own.

✔‍ ‍More nightmares or other sleep difficulties

✔‍ ‍Withdrawn behaviour

✔‍ ‍Angry outbursts

✔‍ ‍Reluctance to be left alone with a particular person)

✔‍ ‍Anxiety

✔‍ ‍Sexual knowledge, language or behaviour beyond what is typical for their age

✔‍ ‍Depression

If you or someone you know has experienced childhood sexual abuse, please contact the helpline. We can talk through how you're feeling, what your options are, and how to find the right support.

HOW TO get help

24/7 support line:0808 500 2222

Reporting to the police: If you're thinking about reporting, or want more information first, call our Independent Sexual Violence Advocate on 0208 683 3311.

If a child is in danger: Speak out immediately.

Call the NSPCC's free 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000, or report online.

Parents, teachers and other caregivers can also reach us directly at info@RapeCrisisSouthLondon.org.

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.