Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Most children who are being sexually abused do not tell anyone about it at the time; instead, they may show other emotional, behavioural, and physical signs and indicators of their abuse.

It is rarely possible to ‘diagnose’ sexual abuse from individual signs and indicators. Children who are sexually abused may also be experiencing other forms of maltreatment and signs of sexual abuse are often missed or dismissed.

A Report into Child Sexual Abuse in the Family Environment (JTAI 2020) found that “Professionals rely too heavily on children to verbally disclose”. However, we will rarely reach a position of ‘absolute knowing’.

The CSA Centre’s signs and indicators tool can help ‘build a picture’ of concerns, looking at signs and indicators associated with a child themselves but also the potential indicators of sexually abusive behaviour in those who may be abusing them.

There are many reasons why a child or young person may not disclose their abuse. This could include:

• Emotional ties or loyalty to the perpetrator
• Guilt, shame or feeling complicit in their abuse;
• Receipt of something they need or want (especially those suffering Child Sexual Exploitation);
• Thinking they won’t be believed, or being told this by abusers;
• Not knowing where to go for help;
• Prior negative reactions/experiences of services;
• Not realising there is anything to report;

Survivors say the most helpful professional is one that:

• Is secure about boundaries, but relates with warmth and kindness
• Is informed about CSA, or keen to learn
• Has examined his/her own issues around CSA
• Works non-hierarchically, consults clients, reaches joint decision
• Is client centred, flexible and imaginative
• Neither hides behind confidentiality nor breaks it insensitively
• Has courage to stay with clients through distressing details or behaviour
• Is prepared to work over a period of time, though brief contacts can sometimes be the catalyst to life changes