Abuse is never the victim’s fault

Over the past year, Childline has counselled more than 10,000 young people who have got in touch to talk about sexual abuse.

It is a subject that can be extremely upsetting and difficult to speak to someone about.

If you have suffered abuse, it can make you feel afraid, isolated and ashamed. People fear they won’t be believed, they will be judged or they will break up families.

But we need to get the message out there that sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault and it is never too late to tell someone about it.

Sexual abuse can happen without there actually being any physical contact.

It includes children being encouraged to watch or hear sexual acts, to send explicit images of themselves and to engage in sexual conversations online or by text.

One 16-year-old girl told a Childline counsellor: “My boyfriend is older than me and he makes me share pics and do stuff with other guys online.

“He gives me money and food when I go online and do things via webcam.

“I have not told anyone else what is happening, I am so scared and drink to forget.

“I am too scared to report him. I just know I am not normal, I am weird and nobody understands.”

Sexual abuse can ruin childhoods and the impact can last a lifetime.

The advice I would give to any young person who has or is being sexually abused is to choose an adult who they trust, for example, a teacher, a parent or a neighbour, and a time they can speak to them in private.

They can also ring or message Childline where they can talk to a counsellor, free and confidentially, about any concerns.

The NSPCC’s Schools Service visits primary schools throughout the country delivering ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ assemblies to help children understand and to recognise abuse in all its forms and how to get help.

We also work with children who have been sexually abused – our Letting the Future in service carries out therapeutic work with young people to help them overcome their ordeal and get back on track.

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000, while children and young people with any worries can contact Childline on 0800 1111or www.childline.org.uk.