Children are often abused by a close relative or other adults whom the child knows and trusts, for example by a neighbour or their mother's boyfriend. Abuse can have devastating effects on the child and in many cases, the mother.
Child sexual abuse includes obscene telephone calls, indecent exposure and voyeurism such as watching a child undress, fondling, taking pornographic pictures, attempted intercourse, rape, incest and child prostitution.
If you were abused as a child, remember that you are not alone. There are many other people who have had similar experiences to yours and there are people who are concerned by what you have been through and would like to help you cope with it.
Almost half of the calls received by the Rape Crisis Centre are to do with child sexual abuse. These are calls either directly from women and girls who have been abused, or from mothers, friends, and relatives of women and girls, or from professionals and other workers looking for information and advice regarding child sexual abuse.
One reason is that most people in our society are unaware of the facts around the subject, and find it difficult to believe that such a thing could happen.
Those who know it happens, through personal experience, are often too ashamed or afraid to speak out, and can be greatly influenced by the myths that surround the subject.
These myths serve to minimise incest and child sexual abuse. They also try taking the blame for the abuse away from the abuser, usually putting the responsibility for the abuse either on the child who has survived the abuse or on the mother of the child.
More information about organisations that can offer help and support.
SAY Women
0141 778 4777
(Tel / Textphone)
Breakthrough for Women
0141 552 5483
Women's Support Project
0141 552 2221
Rape Crisis Centre
0141 552 3200
Wise Women
0141 550 7557
FAQ section coming soon
