What is child sexual abuse?
Children can be sexually abused by adults or by other children who are in a position of power or authority over the child. It can be perpetrated in person, via phone or online. Child sexual abuse includes but is not limited to:
- kissing, holding or fondling a child in a sexual way
- exposing genitals to a child
- talking in a sexual way that's not appropriate for the child's age
- making obscene phone calls, text messages or remarks
- persistently intruding on a child's privacy
- penetrating a child's vagina or anus by penis, finger or other object
- showing pornographic videos or images to a child
- having a child pose or behave in a sexual way
- forcing a child or young person to watch a sexual act
- coercing a child or young person to perform a sexual act on themselves, another child, or with an adult
- oral sex
- rape / statutory rape (having sex with a child under 16 years of age)
- incest
- child prostitution.
Support is available
If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or if you’re unsure and would like advice and support, help is available.
Need to make a report?
If you’re concerned for a child’s safety, there are many ways to make a report.