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:

• Bedford Borough Integrated Front Door (IFD) 01234 718700 or visit our concerned about a child web page.
• Central Bedfordshire Access and Referral Hub 0300 300 8585 AccessReferral@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
• Luton Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 01582 547653 mash@luton.gov.uk.

Resources for Practitioners

• Pan Beds Procedures (scroll down to Chapter 3.7)
• COMING SOON: 'Developing an Understanding of Child Sexual Abuse', 2 day training, accreditted by the NSPCC. Contact us to join the waitlist.
• The Centre for Child Sexual Abuse offers a range of research and resources, including webinars and online training (costs may apply)
• NSPCC for signs and indicators.