Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 clearly defines sexual abuse, children may or may not realise what is happening and activities can include non-contact activities too. Sexual abuse can take place in and outside the home including online. Perpetrators of sexual abuse can be male or female including older children.
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 - sexual abuse definition:
"Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing, and touching outside of clothing.
They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children..."
The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse offers a wide variety of resources and information on the varying forms, signs, indicators and impact of child sexual abuse. Linked below is further information to support multi-agency practitioners in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse concerns or disclosures.
Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse - Research & Resources
Child Sexual Abuse: Trends in data 23/24
North West RIPP training webinars
North West RIPP Intrafamilial CSA
Harmful Sexual Behaviour
The Harmful Sexual Behaviour Protocol has been developed and is to be used by professionals working with children and young people where there are suspicions, allegations made or evidence of the young person engaging in Harmful sexual behaviour or being at risk of doing so.
Harmful Sexual Behaviour Protocol