Sexual Abuse - ADULT 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.

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.

• Do not despair or panic – we are here to help
• Please contact us at 0808 168 0024; the sooner you call the quicker we can help you 
• We will support you at every step – you are our main concern
• No one will question you or force you to do anything you don’t want to do 
• Everything is confidential and at your own pace 

What to do next?

After you’ve called us:

1. Do not wash after the most recent sex attack – this will help us to understand how best to help you
2. If you changed your clothes after the sex attack, please bring the clothes you were 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 – this is about you and your well-being
4. Come to The New Swindon Sanctuary as quickly as possible
5. Let us help you – this will also put you back in control

Everything is confidential – no one needs to know what happened