Adults who have been abused in childhood

Child abuse can have many long-lasting psychological and emotional effects. If you are an adult who has survived child abuse, there are people who can help you. If you are close to someone who has experienced child abuse, you can be there to help them in their recovery.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC ) supports both those who have experienced child abuse, and their friends and loved ones. It offers a range of services and advice, including a freephone helpline. They can help you explore the issues, including any legal options that may be available to you.

If you are supporting a survivor of abuse, NAPAC’s advice is to:

• let them stay in control
• don’t break the trust they have put in you
• listen and believe what they have to say
• don’t judge them
• don’t let them feel they are to blame
• be sensitive to their difficulties
• be there for the long term
• look after yourself.

More details can be found on the NAPAC website.

The NSPCC is looking for survivors aged 18-24. If this is you, you could help the NSPCC with some research? Please download the document below to help.

 Who do you turn to (Word, 44kb)