Adults abused in childhood

Victims of child abuse can be effected by the experience during adulthood. If you are an adult who experienced child abuse, help is available. If you are close to someone who experienced child abuse, you can be there to help them in their recovery.

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) supports both those who have experienced child abuse, and also their friends and loved ones. NAPAC 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.

If you are supporting a survivor of child 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.

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