Talking about it

It is important to highlight that survivors are not to blame for the abuse they experienced during childhood.

Talking about abuse that happened to you as a child – either physical, sexual or emotional – can be difficult.

Even as an adult, it's possible for memories and feelings to resurface that cause anxiety and distress.

It's important to know that what happened to you was not your fault.

You can get support whether or not the abuse was reported to the police, even if it was a long time ago.

Reporting it

Only you can decide whether or not to report the abuse to the police.

Police Scotland has launched a new film aimed at adult survivors of childhood abuse and people working with survivors.

Whether the abuse you experienced was physical, emotional, sexual, or if you were neglected, this film will provide further information including; how you can report abuse to police, what happens after you make a report to the police, what happens if it goes to court and what support is available.

Police Scotland will always investigate reports of child abuse no matter where or when it happened or who was involved. The priorities for any investigation will include identifying the perpetrator or perpetrators, establishing if they still have access to children and, if so, whether they pose a risk to any child.

For more information to help adult survivors of childhood abuse, watch the full video

If you don't want to report it

You can still get support if you don't want to contact the police.

No-one can make you report an assault to the police if you don't want to.

There are support services on the NHS inform or ALISS websites, or get support from an organisation below.

Support services

NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood) Phone: 0808 801 0331 Monday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm Friday 10am to 6pm UK-wide charity supporting adults who were abused in childhood. Find support in your local area or call the support line – calls won't show up on your bill and are free from all landlines and mobiles.

Victim Support Scotland Phone: 0800 160 1985 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) Provides information and support for victims of crime. It doesn't matter whether the crime was reported to the police or if the crime took place a long time ago. You can also search for victim support in your area for local help and advice.

Children 1st Provides local support for children who have experienced abuse to rebuild their lives, and a dedicated support line for anyone abused while at Fort Augustus or Carlekemp schools. Call 0800 345 7457 Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm, weekends 12 noon to 8pm.

Speak out Scotland Phone: 0141 332 9326 Provides support services for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Glasgow and the surrounding area, including specialist counselling, a self help group and a support helpline.

Rape Crisis Scotland Phone: 08088 01 03 02 (6pm to midnight, 7 days a week) Provides a rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for ongoing support.

Open Secret Phone: 01324 630100 Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm Friday 9am to 3pm Email: info@opensecret.org Provides confidential support to individuals and families impacted by childhood abuse or trauma. Most services are based in the Forth Valley area, but some are available throughout Scotland.

Ritual Abuse Network Scotland (RANS) Phone: 01382 224737 Confidential support and information for survivors of organised/ritual abuse, including a survivors forum.

Your rights as a victim of crime, you have rights. The Victims' Code for Scotland sets out these rights and who to contact for help and advice.