Sexual abuse

This is when a child is used sexually by an adult or young person. Making a child look at pornographic magazines or films is also sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is pressurised, forced or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or young person. This can include kissing, touching the young person's genitals or breasts, intercourse or oral sex.

Who sexually abuses children?

Child sex abusers:

• can come from any professional, racial or religious background, and can be male or female
• are not always adults – children and young people can also behave in a sexually abusive way 
• are usually known to the child – they may be a family member or a family friend.

How do they operate?

Abusers may act alone or as part of an organised group. They sometimes prefer children of a particular age, sex, physical type or ethnic background.

After the abuse, they may put the child under great pressure not to tell anyone about it. They often go to great lengths to get close to children and win their trust. For example by: 

• choosing employment that brings them into contact with children
• pretending to be children in internet chat rooms run for children and young people.

Child sex abusers are sometimes referred to as “paedophiles” or “sex offenders”, especially when they are not family members.

What are the signs of sexual abuse?

Children who are being abused may show a number of physical and emotional changes. But remember that these signs do not always mean that a child is being abused – there may be other explanations. Read more about the possible signs.