Child sexual abuse is when someone older, stronger or more powerful or mature involves a child in some sort of activity for their own sexual pleasure.
It does not always have to involve physical force or even touching. All sexual activity between an adult and a child is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can also happen between children but not all sexual play between children is sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse currently happens in all ethnicities and socio-economic groups and can happen to both boys and girls. Even toddlers and babies can be sexually abused.
Sexual abuse also includes the process of grooming which is where someone gets a child ready to be abused by gaining the family/child's trust, overcoming any barriers to offending, and creating opportunities to have contact with the child.
Sexual abuse of children is against the law. The Crimes Act is the piece of legislation that covers child sexual abuse (sections 125 to 138). It is now also against the law if you know that a child is being abused and you do nothing about it.
There is lots you can do to minimise the risk of child sexual abuse and informing yourself is a great first step. Check out the other pages in this section of the website to learn more about setting up a family safety plan; how to identify problematic behaviours; and how to best deal with any disclosures of sexual abuse.
Remember:
Source: We Can Keep Safe (ASAH 2011) & Ending Offending Together (CYFS & SAFE) (link)
Sexual abuse currently happens in all ethnicities and socio-economic groups and can happen to both boys and girls. Even toddlers and babies can be sexually abused.
Sexual abuse also includes the process of grooming which is where someone gets a child ready to be abused by gaining the family/child's trust, overcoming any barriers to offending, and creating opportunities to have contact with the child.
Sexual abuse of children is against the law. The Crimes Act is the piece of legislation that covers child sexual abuse (sections 125 to 138). It is now also against the law if you know that a child is being abused and you do nothing about it.
There is lots you can do to minimise the risk of child sexual abuse and informing yourself is a great first step. Check out the other pages in this section of the website to learn more about setting up a family safety plan; how to identify problematic behaviours; and how to best deal with any disclosures of sexual abuse.
Remember:
- if you think a child is at risk of being abused today, call the Police on 111
- If you have other concerns about a child or would like more information, please email or call us on [email protected] or 07 868 8644.
Source: We Can Keep Safe (ASAH 2011) & Ending Offending Together (CYFS & SAFE) (link)
