Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse is a form of abuse in which a child or young person is forced, coerced, manipulated or encouraged to take part in sexual activity. This may involve physical contact or noncontact activities and can be carried out by an adult or another child.
Child sexual abuse can occur in person or online, and children may not always recognise that what is happening is abuse or feel able to speak about it.
Child sexual abuse includes:
- Sexual touching or sexual acts involving a child
- Forcing or encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity
- Making a child watch, hear, or take part in sexual activities
- Taking, sharing, or exposing a child to sexual images or videos, including online
- Grooming a child for sexual purposes, including via digital platforms
- Sexual exploitation, including where sexual activity is exchanged for gifts, money, affection, or status
- Child sexual abuse can be committed by someone known to the child, including family members, peers, or trusted adults, as well as by strangers.
- Children cannot consent to sexual activity.
- Sexual abuse can have serious and long-term impacts on a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
For more information, please visit the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse – Home | CSA Centre
If you are concerned
In Manchester, all professionals and members of the community have a role to play in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse. Early recognition and timely intervention are essential to protect children and young people and ensure they receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.
If there are concerns that a child may be at risk of, or experiencing, child sexual abuse, the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse Signs and Indicators tool can be used by