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Most children lead happy and healthy lives but a few, often the most vulnerable, are at risk of abuse by an adult. Sometimes we refer to these abusers as paedophiles. However, many professionals who work in the field of child abuse, sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault and the exploitation of children now prefer calling paedophiles ‘people who are a risk to children’. The main argument for this is that the sexual abuse of children also often involves other forms of abuse, such as physical abuse or emotional abuse. Indeed sexual abuse itself is both emotionally and physically abusive and can have a devastating effect on someone’s life. The information on this page is aimed at addressing some of the misinformation which exists about the sexual abuse of children, try and set out what the real risks are and give you practical advice as to how you can help keep your children safe. Child sexual abuse and the risks to children: what you need to know
A common belief in society is that children are at risk from strangers, and that in many cases it is strangers who befriend and abuse children. No greater worry exists for parents and carers than a child being abducted, abused and possibly murdered; however, children are at far greater risk of being abused by someone they know than they are of being abused by a stranger. This does not mean that parents and carers shouldn’t worry about a child being abducted or abused by strangers. Indeed, we must all be aware of any kind of risk and make sure that children know what to look out for and what to do. However, the greatest risk to children is that posed by someone they trust. Research carried out with child abusers shows that about two thirds of them are known to the children they abuse. They could be relatives, family friends, neighbours or someone they know to say hello to in the street. Only a third of abused children are abused by strangers. The majority of child abusers are male, but some women also sexually abuse children. Child abusers are not the stereotypes that people may think. They look ‘normal’ and behave like everyone else. They come from all walks of like, professions, racial and religious backgrounds and often seem like perfectly respectable and nice people. But a lot of them are extremely cunning and clever at gaining someone’s confidence so that they are trusted to be alone with children. Single parent families are more at risk from child abusers who target their increase vulnerability and play on the difficulties they face. A few child abusers are prolific, meaning that they carry out a lot of abuse on a lot of different children, but most only abuse a few, keeping it quieter and more controlled. Research from the UK, and other countries such as the US, estimate that 30% of child abusers (paedophiles) commit offences against between 10 to 450 children, while 70% of them have abused between 1 to 10 children. However, it is important to stress that most children are never sexually abused. The best form of prevention and minimising the risk to your children is in the relationship you have with them. Having a relationship where they trust you and feel free to be able to talk to you and share any worries or fears they have increases their safety and prevents them from being prey to people who want to harm them. Then they will be far more likely to listen to you, take on the worries you may have and share any worries or problems they might have. Downloads Prevention and helping children be safe: This download gives you a bit more information about what you can do to minimise risks to your child, what you should tell your child and other information about ‘stranger danger’ and other safety strategies your child can use to keep safe. Links The NSPCC offers families a range of information, resources and advice regarding child protection and child welfare issues. The Child Protection in Sports Unit (CPSU) is a partnership between the NSPCC and Sport England, and aims to help sports bodies and other organisations minimise the risk of child abuse during sporting activities. They can provide a range of information and advice regarding child protection in sports. The Children’s Legal Centre has lots of useful information about child protection and child protection procedures. They give information about children’s rights and the rights of parents in any child protection investigation. Barnardos also offer families and parents advice and information regarding child protection. See their website for more information. The Brighton & Hove City Council website also offers information regarding child protection and how families can contact child protection services for more advise and information. The stop it now campaign aims to raise awareness throughout society of child abuse and child welfare issues. They offer a range of advice and information regarding child abuse and what parents and carers can do to help protect children. |
