Dealing with sexual abuse

Abuse can go undetected unless children have someone to talk to

If you believe a child has been a victim of sexual abuse, is at risk of abuse, or if you've suffered yourself there are several organisations you can contact to report a crime or receive advice.

If you believe that you or another child are being groomed online or have had someone suspicious contact you online, report this at: www.thinkuknow.co.uk.

If you want to make a complaint that you or another child are being sexually abused you can contact the local police or social services, or ring Childline on 0800 1111. You can also call Childline in confidence or visit www.there4me.comif you're worried about yourself or another child.

For general advice about keeping your children safe online you can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents.

If you're concerned someone is grooming your child online you can make a report directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre or www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents.

Often there are problems with child victims/witnesses not wanting to go to court and give evidence. The following leaflets produced by the Crown Prosecution Service provide excellent explanations for the child and parents on what to expect regarding the police response and court process.

If you know of anyone who is sexually abusing a child, report this to the local police or social services or call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. You can also call the NSPCC to talk about any children you think are at risk.

If you are worried about someone who you believe has a sexual interest in children OR if you have concerns about your own behaviour/inappropriate sexual feelings towards a child(ren) contact: Stop IT Now - 0808 1000 900.

If you have encountered child sexual abuse images online, you can report this to the Internet Watch Foundation: www.iwf.org.uk.

If you want to report personal historical child sexual abuse, again call your local police, social services or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

If you're seeking support for personal historical child sexual abuse call the National Association for People Abused in Childhood - 0800 085 3330.

Source: Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre