Are you or someone you know a survivor of child sexual abuse or exploitation? Help and support are available, even if the abuse occurred a long time ago.
One in six children suffer some form of sexual abuse before the age of 16. Most children who are sexually abused know the person who abused them. This can make it difficult to tell anyone.
Talking about it
Discussing childhood abuse – whether physical, sexual, or emotional – can be challenging. Many people suffer the effects of child sexual abuse in silence and never tell anyone about it during childhood. Many keep their abuse secret forever.
Memories and feelings may resurface, causing anxiety and distress. It is important to recognise that what happened to you was not your fault.
Support is available regardless of whether the abuse was reported to the police and even if it happened a long time ago.
Reporting it
The decision to report abuse to the police is entirely up to you.
You can report a crime in several ways:
- If it’s an emergency and the crime is still taking place, call 999 and ask for the police.
- If it’s not an emergency, do not call 999. This doesn’t mean the crime is not important – it just helps the police to make the best use of their resources. Many police forces use the 101 non-emergency number, so you can ring that number instead.
- You can go to your local police station and report the crime there. You can find the address and telephone number in the local telephone directory or online. Check what time your local police station is open, as not all stations are open all the time.
- You can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you want to remain anonymous.
Police Scotland has launched a new film aimed at adult survivors of childhood abuse and those working with them. This film covers:
- How to report abuse to the police
- What happens after making a report
- What occurs if the case goes to court
- Available support services
Police Scotland will investigate all reports of child abuse, no matter when or where it happened, or who was involved. The investigation priorities include identifying the perpetrator(s), determining if they still have access to children, and assessing any current risk to children.
For more information, watch the full video provided by Police Scotland.
Report the matter directly to the police service on ‘101’ the non-emergency number, and you will be put in contact with a specially trained police officer who will speak to you confidentially, or in an emergency situation dial the police emergency number ‘999’.
Alternatively you may contact ‘The Rowan’ on free phone helpline 0800 389 4424, a specialist regional centre for victims of sexual violence that offers support and a range of medical services. The Rowan can also assist you in reporting the matter to the police service, if you have not already done so. For more information go to therowan.net
Your rights as a victim of crime
The Victims’ Code focuses on victims’ rights and sets out the minimum standard that organisations must provide to victims of crime.
As a victim of crime, you have rights. The Victims’ Code for Scotland outlines these rights and provides contact information for help and advice.
The Victim Charter sets out the entitlements and services that victims of crime in Northern Ireland can expect to receive from a range of service providers.
If you don't want to report it
The experienced advisors on our confidential Stop It Now helpline (0808 1000 900) can help talk things through. You can stay anonymous and don’t have to give your real name, location or any contact details. If you’re not ready to speak to anyone yet, you can also use our live chat or send a secure email.
You can still access support without contacting the police. No one can force you to report an assault if you don’t wish to. Various support services are available through the NHS inform or ALISS websites, as well as the organisations listed below.
Support services
Childline
Description: children and young people needing help
Phone: 0800 11 11
Website: Childline
The survivors trust
Description: adults needing advice
Phone: 0808 801 0818
Email: info@thesurvivorstrust.org
Website: The Survivors Trust
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood’s
Phone: 0800 085 3330
Website: NAPAC
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Description: provides a list of counsellors, psychotherapists and professional bodies offering therapy.
Website: BACP
Lifecentre
Description: UK based charity that supports survivors of rape & sexual abuse. It offers a national helpline and a counselling team based in Sussex, England.
Website: Lifecentre
NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood)
Phone: 0808 801 0331 (Monday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm; Friday, 10am to 6pm)
Website: NAPAC
Description: UK-wide charity supporting adults abused in childhood. Calls are free from all landlines and mobiles and won’t show up on your bill.
Victim Support Scotland
Phone: 0800 160 1985 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
Description: Provides information and support for victims of crime, regardless of whether the crime was reported to the police or occurred a long time ago. Local help and advice are also available.
Children 1st
Phone: 0800 345 7457 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 10pm; Weekends, 12 noon to 8pm)
Description: Offers local support for children who have experienced abuse and a dedicated support line for those abused at Fort Augustus or Carlekemp schools.
Speak Out Scotland
Phone: 0141 332 9326
Description: Provides support services for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Glasgow and surrounding areas, including specialist counselling, a self-help group, and a support helpline.
Rape Crisis Scotland
Phone: 08088 01 03 02 (6pm to midnight, 7 days a week)
Description: Offers a helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence. They can connect you with local rape crisis centres and other services for ongoing support.
Open Secret
Phone: 01324 630100 (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday, 9am to 3pm)
Email: info@opensecret.org
Description: Provides confidential support to individuals and families impacted by childhood abuse or trauma, primarily in the Forth Valley area with some services available throughout Scotland.
Ritual Abuse Network Scotland (RANS)
Phone: 01382 224737
Description: Offers confidential support and information for survivors of organized/ritual abuse, including a survivor’s forum.
We Stand
Website: We Stand
Phone: 0800 980 1958
Description: A voluntary organization supporting non-abusing parents and carers of children who have been sexually abused. They offer advocacy, advice, information, befriending, counselling, play therapy, and support groups.
Survivors UK
Website: Survivors UK
Phone: 0845 1221201 (Helpline hours: Monday and Tuesday, 7pm-9:30pm; Thursday, 12pm-2:30pm)
Description: Offers information, support, and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused.
Lifecentre
Website: Lifecentre
Description: Supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse with a national helpline and a counselling team based in Sussex, England.
The Blast Project
Website: The Blast Project
Description: The UK’s leading male-only sexual exploitation project supporting boys and young men. They offer emotional and practical support, group work in educational settings, training and support for professionals, and an anonymous reporting mechanism.
One in Four
One In Four helps adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, their families, and those who have sexually harmful behaviour.
CARI
The CARI helpline is a confidential service that offers support and advice for adults worried about a child who has been abused or has harmful sexual behaviour.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre offers a range of support services to people affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse.
Victims of Crime
The 28 Victim Service Offices will keep victims of crime up to date about the progress of their case and available support.
Crime Victims helpline
The Crime Victims helpline is a listening and support service for victims of crime in Ireland.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland
Rape Crisis Network Ireland provides free advice, counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse.
