Child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation

Have you been affected by, or do you want to know more about, child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation?

Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse when an adult has sexual activity with a child. A child is anyone under the age of 16. In specific circumstances, a child is anyone under the age of 18. A child can never consent to any form of sexual activity.

Child sexual abuse includes rape and assault by penetration or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside clothing.

It also includes non-contact offences such as an adult exposing themselves to a child, masturbating in the presence of a child, having obscene conversations with a child (in person or by using digital media e.g. text messages or messaging on social media) and sharing pornographic images with a child.

There are no circumstances in which a person under 16 can consent to a sex act. Child sexual abuse is a serious crime. If you’ve been harmed in this way, please remember it’s not your fault.

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when an individual or group coerces, manipulates or deceives a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity. This can be in exchange for something the victim needs or wants. The person or group exploiting the child will usually do it for financial gain or for increased status.

The child might’ve been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual, especially with victims aged 16 or 17. Child sexual exploitation doesn’t always involve physical contact. It can also occur using technology, such as producing indecent images or other content.

How you might be feeling

Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can affect the child or young person both physically and emotionally. Following an assault, the victim may be feeling confused, frightened, angry, guilty or powerless.

The victim, and their loved ones, may find it difficult to trust someone enough to get the help they need. Services are available to support victims and their loved ones to take back control and recover.

Sexual exploitation is a serious crime often involving coercive control. The child or young person may have strong feelings for their abuser and feel hostile towards those trying to help. This isn’t the victim’s fault, and specialist support services are available.

Get the help you need

If you’d like more information or support, contact us now.

As well as receiving help from us, you can also get support from other organisations and charities. See below or search our directory.

St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – It’s important to get medical help as soon as possible to check for sexually transmitted infections, injury or pregnancy. St Mary’s Centre provides medical, emotional and legal support to victims of all ages, survivors and their network in Greater Manchester. Call the 24-hour helpline on 0161 276 6515 or email stmarys.sarc@mft.nhs.uk.

Local council - Primary support for children and their loved ones is usually co-ordinated by children’s social care and tailored to the needs of the child and their support network. Contact your local council to find your local children’s social care team. Find your local council.

National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) – NAPAC offers confidential support for adult survivors of child abuse and provides information and legal advice. Call 0808 801 0331.

Barnardo’s – A children’s charity that offers trauma-based therapeutic intervention for children and young people as part of its Safer Futures Trauma Services. Call 0161 707 0222 or email saferfutures@barnardos.org.uk.

We Are Survivors – Male (including trans and non-binary individuals) survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester can find support, a safe space and more information from this charity based in Salford. Call the 24-hour helpline on 0808 500 2222 or email support@survivorsmanchester.org.uk.

LGBT Foundation – National charity that can put you in touch with an LGBTQ+ Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to help you report an incident, support you emotionally and assist you with the criminal justice system. For more information, call 0345 330 30 30 or visit the website.

The Maggie Oliver Foundation – Helps survivors of sexual abuse with emotional support and legal advocacy.

How to report to the police

In an emergency, when a crime is being committed or has just been witnessed, there’s a risk of injury, or a risk of serious damage to property, dial 999.

In a non-emergency or to make a general inquiry, dial 101.

Report anonymously by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is independent of the police and won’t share your details.

What is the age of consent in the UK?

The age of consent in the UK is 16.

For adults in a position of trust, the rules are different. For example, a teacher is breaking the law if they have sex with a student under the age of 18, even if the student is over the legal age of consent in the UK (16).

Sexual health and wellbeing services for teenagers

Brook Manchester provides sexual health and wellbeing services for young people aged 19 and under.