Understanding Childhood Sexual Abuse: Support & Information
Professional guidance to help you understand childhood sexual abuse, its effects, and pathways to recovery. Written with care and sensitivity by trauma specialists
What is Sexual Violence & Abuse?
In the UK, sexual violence and abuse is defined as any sexual act or behaviour that is unwanted and occurs without consent. It encompasses a range of acts, including rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation.
There are many different types of sexual violence & abuse, including:
Rape: Any penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth by the penis, or any other object, without consent.
Sexual Assault: Any non-penetrative sexual act (like touching, kissing, or exposing oneself) without consent.
Child Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity with a child (under 18 in the UK).
Sexual Exploitation: Using someone for sexual purposes, often involving power imbalances and coercion.
Image-Based Sexual Abuse: Taking or sharing private, sexual images or videos without consent.
Sexual violence can manifest in various ways, including physical acts like rape and assault, as well as psychological, verbal, and online abuse. Sexual violence often involves power imbalances, with perpetrators using control, intimidation, or coercion to exploit.
*Please remember that if you experienced any form of sexual violence, this was not your fault nor is it your shame. The blame lies entirely with the perpetrator/s.
Common Challenges in Understanding Abuse
Many survivors experience confusion or uncertainty about their experiences. These feelings are normal, and understanding common challenges can help:
Difficulty recognising experiences as abuse
Uncertainty about memories or gaps in memory
Confusion about responsibility or blame
Challenges in trusting memories or feelings
Struggling to talk about past experiences
Difficulty connecting current symptoms to past experiences
Understanding the Scale in the UK
Moving Forward: Understanding Leads to Healing
Understanding that what happened wasn't your fault and that your feelings are valid is a crucial first step in healing.
Specialist support services can help you process experiences and develop coping strategies at your own pace.
Speaking about experiences, when you're ready, can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
Survivor Resources & Research
Learning from other survivors journeys can be a powerful tool, and make you feel much less alone. Access specialist articles, survivor stories, and evidence-based research about childhood sexual violence recovery and support.
Articles and guides covering trauma responses, recovery stages, and practical support strategies for survivors of childhood sexual violence.
A curated collection of poems written by survivors of sexual abuse, sharing personal experiences of trauma, healing, and recovery. *Please note that whilst this content is moderated you may find some of it triggering so please take care*
Key findings from our research , revealing crucial insights into sexual violence and abuse, how survivors access support services, costs to the NHS and survivor experiences, and more
With your support, we can help more survivors access the support they need when they need it. Every donation directly funds our work to supporting those affected by sexual violence.