Not sure if what happened was sexual violence or abuse?
When we talk about 'sexual violence and abuse', we mean any kind of sexual activity that happens without consent.
In other words, any kind of sexual activity that you didn't want or where someone was pressuring you, scaring you, tricking you or forcing you into it. Or where someone was offering you money, gifts or anything else in return.
When sexual violence and abuse happens to anyone under the age of 18, we call it child sexual abuse. However, you can use whatever term feels right for you.
Sexual violence and abuse that happens to children and young people can:
- Include sexual activity where there is physical contact. For example, kissing or touching – either under clothes or on top of clothes.
- Include sexual activity where there is no physical contact. For example, someone showing you sexual photos or videos, or asking you to take sexual photos or videos of yourself.
- Happen in person, online or over the phone.
- Be carried out by an adult or by another child or young person.
Useful information
You might find the following topics helpful to explore, especially if you're feeling confused. Click on each link to find out more.
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Child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity that happens to a person under the age of 18 without their consent. This includes online sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and grooming.
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Sexual consent and age of consent
Consent = choice + freedom and capacity. Under the law, children and young people don't have the same freedom and capacity as lots of adults when it comes to making choices about sexual activity.
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Cyber flashing and so-called 'dick pics'
Experiences of cyber flashing and receiving unwanted 'dick pics' are very common among young women and girls.
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Female genital mutilation (FGM)
FGM refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. These procedures are usually carried out on girls under the age of 16.
Having confusing feelings about the person who assaulted or abused you?
This can be really common, especially among people under the age of 18. But that doesn't mean you consented to what happened – or make it any less serious.
Counselling and other longer-term support
Many of our 37 member Rape Crisis centres offer specialist, longer-term support to children and young people under the age of 18.
The kind of support varies from centre to centre, but can include counselling, support through the criminal justice system, play therapy and group work.
➡️ 36 of our member Rape Crisis centres offer support to young people aged 13-17.
➡️ 28 of our member Rape Crisis centres offer support to children aged 0-12.
You can find more information below about why Rape Crisis support for children and young people is so special.
How can I access this support?
Please contact your local Rape Crisis centre directly to find out if they can help you.
You can use our handy 'Find a centre' search tool to find the details of your nearest centres.
❗ If your local centre doesn't support people your age, they might be able to give you information about other organisations that could help instead.
Are you a parent, trusted adult or someone else trying to support a child or young person?
We are here for you too. Here are some of the ways we can help:
- If you're over the age of 16, you can call our 24/7 Support Line.
- We have tips for supporting survivors, as well as self-care tips that can help you take care of yourself.
- Lots of our member Rape Crisis centres offer longer-term support – such as counselling – to family members. Please contact your local centre to see if they can help you.
Remember that you don't have to be an expert!
The most important thing you can do for any victim or survivor is to listen to them and believe what they are saying.
What makes Rape Crisis support for children and young people so special?
Between April 2022 and March 2023, Rape Crisis centres supported 18,299 children and young people of all genders.
Support offered by our member Rape Crisis centres is:
- Flexible: Rape Crisis centres are independent organisations that govern themselves. This means they can adapt quickly and get creative with how they best meet the needs of children and young people, and their families.
- Holistic: sexual violence and abuse can impact many different areas of a child or young person's life – and so our member centres provide a range of support to them and their families.
- Expert and specialist: Rape Crisis centres have decades of experience in offering support to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
- Rooted in a child-centered empowerment model: victims and survivors are supported to take control of their own lives and recovery.
- For life: there's no need for children and young people to transition to an 'adult' service at 18. And they can return to a Rape Crisis centre for support at any point in their lives.
Find out more about how Rape Crisis centres support children and young people in our report 'A Real Safe Space'.
