What does identifying involve?
We believe that child sexual abuse and exploitation is preventable not inevitable. As a concerned adult, you can do something about this. You must however be able to identify when abuse could occur.
To help protect children from sexual abuse we need to feel confident that we:
- Understand potential risks
- Recognise the signs of possible abuse in children
- Are aware of inappropriate behaviour in adults
- Know where to go for help if we have concerns and would like to talk about them
- If we notice changes that might mean that something is wrong we need to know where we can voice our concerns straight away, rather than feeling that we don't know what to do.
There is help available and steps need not be taken alone. If you would like to talk through your concerns, call the free, anonymous and confidential Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information.
You can also message the helpline using our secure messaging service.
Identifying the signs of Child Sexual Abuse
"It could be nothing, it could be something" - It is not up to children to prevent abuse - it is up to us adults to protect the next child.
The NSPCC have created a very powerful video to emphasise this.
The UPSTREAM project is about prevention of child sexual abuse. Signs of sexual abuse can be emotional or physical. Knowing the signs of sexual abuse can help give a voice to children.
Sometimes children won't understand that what's happening to them is wrong. Or they might be scared to speak out
Warning signs that a child is being sexually abused or exploited
Children often show us rather than tell us that something is happening - What are the warning signs of child sexual abuse?
Warning signs that an adult might be a risk to a child or a young person
Concerned about an adults behaviour with a child? Trust your concerns.
Concerned about your own thoughts or behaviour?
Are you someone who wants to stop sexual thoughts or behaviour towards children but does not know how?
Warning signs that a child may be risk to another child
Children can sometimes present a risk of sexual abuse to another child.
If you suspect that somebody is looking at illegal images of children online
Looking at sexual images of anyone under the age of 18 is illegal.
What if a Sex Offender moves into my area?
I suspect that a Sex Offender has moved into my area. Should I be concerned? How are they managed?
Worried about someone who works with children?
Are you concerned about someone's interaction with a child in a work environment?
Did you know?
Over 90% of sexually abused children were abused by someone they knew
Source - Radford, L. et al (2011)
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