Sexual Abuse - Parents Perspective

Child sexual abuse is any form of sexual activity with a child by an adult, or by another child where there is no consent or consent is not possible; or by another child who has power over the child. By this definition, it is possible for a child to be sexually abused by another child who is older or younger than the victim.

Parents should be aware that nowadays teens and older children are known to sexually assault other teens and children – some considerably younger than themselves.

Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to, showing a child pornographic materials, placing the child's hand on one’s genitals, touching a child's genitals, and/or penetration of any orifice of a child's body (mouth, vagina, anus) with a penis, finger, or an “proxy” object of any sort. Penetration does not have to occur for it to be sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse can take a number of different forms, including:

• Enticing or forcing a child to engage in fondling, masturbation, oral or anal intercourse or sexual intercourse.
• Making a child observe or act out inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Showing a child pornographic books, videos or photographs or engaging them in inappropriate discussion about sexual matters
• Meeting a child following sexual "grooming", which is when an abuser builds up a relationship with a child with the intention of abusing them at some stage.
• It is impossible to describe a typical sex abuser; they do not look different to other people and they behave in a variety of ways; an abuser may be a man or woman or another child or adolescent

 
Research shows that children are more likely to be sexually abused by someone they know including relatives, family friends and people in positions of trust than by a stranger.

Children do not always tell about abuse and it can continue for years undetected.

 

Do you feel your child has been sexually abused or assaulted in some way?

• Do not despair or panic – we are here to help
• Please contact us at 0808 168 0024; the sooner you call the quicker and better we can help your child
• Your child is our main concern
• We will support you and your child at every step
• No one will question you or force you to do anything you don’t want to do
• There is no need to face this tragedy alone – we are on your side!

What to do next?

After you’ve called us:

1. Do not wash your child – this will help us to understand how best to help her / him
2. If you changed your child’s clothes after the attack already, please bring the clothes she / he was wearing with you in a clean plastic carrier bag, such as those from the shops – this will help us better understand what happened to you
3. Bring a close friend or family member if you would like to help you – this is about your child and his / her well-being
4. Come to The New Swindon Sanctuary as quickly as possible – VCars will bring you immediately for free
5. Let us help!