Child Sexual Abuse
What is sexual abuse?
When a child or young person is sexually abused, they're forced, tricked or manipulated into sexual activities. They might not understand that what's happening is abuse or that it's wrong for the abuser to do this to them. They might be afraid to tell someone or behave as though this is normal for them to experience, both are valid for the child to be displaying. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere – and it can happen in person or online. It's never a child's fault they were sexually abused – it's important to make sure children know this.
You can learn more about recognising and responding to Child Sexual Abuse on the NSPCC website.
If you have concerns that a child is being sexually abused, please contact:
Resources for Practitioners
Local Resources
Safeguarding Bedfordshire provides two CSA themed training events; these are free to attend, however a late cancelation/ non-attendance cost is applied, as per our terms and conditions.
Bedfordshire Violence Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP)
Connect Futures will be hosting a series of in person workshops adapted to engage young people in exploring the same themes, as well as healthy relationships, critical thinking & resilience. I can keep you updated as we start to scope how best to offer these sessions. Please see the poster below for more details. Colleagues can register via the links below. Please share this opportunity widely with colleagues within your networks.
Workshop: Incels, Misogyny and the Manosphere (Professionals)
Adolescence: Talking to Young People about Misogyny
Misogyny is back on everyone’s minds after Netflix’s drama Adolescence made UK TV ratings history. The drama about a 13-year old boy who is arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl from his school explores the complex factors that shape young people’s identity, attitudes and behaviours including the impact of online misogyny and the manosphere. So, what can we do to understand and tackle harmful behaviours and beliefs? (Source: Brook)
Start conversations!
The most effective way to challenge gender stereotypes, online misogyny, bulling, and abuse is creating space for wide-ranging, honest conversations with all young people. Here are some resources to support with these conversations:
💻 What is the manosphere? An introduction to digital communities that promote harmful ideologies.
🤔 What does it mean to be a man? Ideas that might come up in conversations and ways of challenging these stereotypes.
🧠 Tips for countering online misogyny in the classroom. Learn from Nick’s experience delivering lessons to boys and young men.
🔍 Tips for building critical thinking. Practical advice on helping young people analyse and challenge problematic ideas and where they come from.
🤝 What does a healthy relationship look like? An introduction to some ideas that form the basis of healthy relationships.
Further information: VotesforSchools have lesson plans to support staff in navigating conversations around Misogyny, Knife Crime and the online world.
Learn: Funded Misogyny eLearning is available from Safeguarding Bedfordshire.
- Recognise how misogynistic and sexist attitudes or behaviour can manifest in everyday life, including language, media, and social interactions.
- Explain the impact of misogynistic attitudes and behaviours on young people and the wider society.
- Recognise how social media plays a part in spreading negative or false information around women and girls.
- Respond appropriately when met with misogynistic attitudes or behaviour.
Learn: Brook have launched free Healthy Relationships eLearning.
National Resources