VIRTUAL HSCP - Spotting the Signs and Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse

Research indicates that just one in three children who had been sexually abused by an adult told anyone at the time. Understandably, children often find it very difficult to tell us about the sexual harm they are experiencing.

There are many barriers to children sharing their experiences of sexual abuse. We know from research and data that it simply isn’t likely that a child will feel able to tell professionals directly what is happening or recognise that what is happening to them is abuse. Instead, they may show other emotional, behavioural and physical signs of their abuse.

The Centre for Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA Centre) has developed a Signs and Indicators Template which helps professionals build a picture of their concerns when they are worried that a child or young person they are working with is being, or has been, sexually abused.

This one-hour session delivered by the CSA Centre will introduce professionals to the Signs and Indicators Template and give an opportunity to use it in practice. It aims to give professionals working with children the knowledge and confidence to act when they are concerned about a child. Both the template and this webinar have been designed to support professionals across a range of organisations and agencies to systematically observe, record and communicate their concerns about the signs which may indicate child sexual abuse.

Who is this webinar for?

This course is for any professional whose role may involve contact with children, including those in social care, health (primary care, mental health, accident and emergency, midwifery, health visiting, sexual health), police, adoption services, fostering services, schools and any other relevant services in contact with children, young people, parent(s) or carer(s).

Learning Outcomes  An understanding of the Signs and Indicators Template and how to use it in practice The ability to build a picture of concerns when you are worried a child is being, or has been, sexually abused Greater knowledge of the emotional, behavioural and physical signs of sexual abuse and sexually abusive behaviour, and the factors that increase children’s vulnerability to this form of harm Greater confidence in identifying, discussing, exploring and communicating concerns that a child is being sexually abused