My child has experienced abuse
Finding out or suspecting that your child has been sexually abused is devastating. You may be feeling shocked, angry, confused, or helpless and wondering how best to support them.
Please know
You are not alone, and help is available for both your child and your family.
Our specialist team, including Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (CISVAs) provides trauma-informed support to children, young people and their parents or carers following sexual abuse
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is when a child or young person is forced, pressured, tricked or manipulated into sexual activity or behaviour. It can happen:
In person or online
Once or repeatedly
In or outside of the home
By a peer, adult, stranger, family member, or someone in a position of trust
Sexual abuse may include inappropriate touching, exposure to sexual content, taking or sharing sexual images, coercion into sexual acts, or full sexual assault.
Children and young people may not always understand or be able to speak about what happened. That’s why listening, believing, and seeking specialist support is so important.
My ISVA made me feel at ease and made me realise it wasn’t my fault! The support I never knew existed.
How We Can Help
We provide specialist support for children and young people aged under 18 who have experienced sexual abuse and offer guidance and reassurance to the trusted adults around them.
Children’s ISVA (CISVA) Support
A Children’s ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) works directly with children and young people, and alongside parents or carers, to:
Provide emotional support in a child-friendly, age-appropriate way
Help the child feel safe and heard after what they’ve experienced
Support the child through the criminal justice process (if there’s a police report)
Advocate for the child with schools, social care, police or medical professionals
Develop a safety plan if needed
Keep the child at the centre of all decisions, while also supporting you as their parent or carer
You don’t need to have reported the abuse to receive help from a CISVA, the service is open to all children and young people affected by sexual abuse.
Support for Parents and Carers
We know that as a parent or carer, you may need support too. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, worried about saying or doing the wrong thing, or unsure how to help your child heal.
We can offer:
Emotional support for you as a parent or guardian
Guidance on supporting your child’s mental health
Practical advice on how to talk to your child about what happened
Signposting to family counselling or therapeutic support where needed
Help navigating police, social care, schools and other services
Signs a Child May Have Been Sexually Abused
Every child responds differently, but signs can include:
Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
Nightmares, bedwetting, or trouble sleeping
Unexplained fears or anxiety
Avoidance of specific people or places
Talking or acting in a sexual way that’s not appropriate for their age
Injuries, soreness, or signs or trauma
Withdrawing from friends, school or hobbies
Self-harm or signs of depression
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You don’t need to be sure reach out for support and advice.
If You’re Worried Right Now
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999
If you’re unsure what to do or need urgent advice, you can contact us for guidance and support
Get in Touch
Whether you need help for your child, or you’re a professional looking to refer, we’re here to help.
You Are Not Alone
It’s okay not to have all the answers. You don’t need to go through this alone.
We are here to support your child’s safety, recovery and healing and to support you in being the safe, trusted adult they need right now.