Spotting the signs and indicators of child sexual abuse

Research indicates that just one in three children who had been sexually abused by an adult told anyone at the time. Understandably, children often find it very difficult to tell us about the sexual harm they are experiencing.

There are many barriers to children sharing their experiences of sexual abuse. We know from research and data that it simply isn’t likely that a child will feel able to tell professionals directly what is happening or recognise that what is happening to them is abuse. Instead, they may show other emotional, behavioural and physical signs of their abuse.

The CSA Centre’s free Signs and Indicators Template helps professionals build a picture of their concerns when they are worried that a child or young person they are working with is being, or has been, sexually abused.

This one-hour session will introduce professionals to the Signs and Indicators Template and give an opportunity to use it in practice. It aims to give professionals working with children the knowledge and confidence to act when they are concerned about a child. Both the template and this webinar have been designed to support professionals across a range of organisations and agencies to systematically observe, record and communicate their concerns about the signs which may indicate child sexual abuse.