Stay calm, listen carefully, and believe them. Don’t press for details - simply reassure them they’re safe and you’ll help. Then report it to the police or local safeguarding team immediately.
The usual time limit is two years from when the abuse happened or was reported. However, the courts often allow historic claims where trauma delayed disclosure. Winston Solicitors can assess your situation and explain your options.
Yes. Many adults show emotional or behavioural signs linked to unresolved trauma, such as anxiety, trust issues, or low self-esteem. Recognising these can help you seek specialist counselling or legal advice.
Look for sudden changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, fear of certain people, or sexual behaviour that seems beyond their age. These can be signs of distress that need gentle, professional attention.
The main types are physical sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, online grooming, and non-contact abuse. Each can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, even if there was no physical injury.
Any sexual activity involving someone under 16 is illegal. It includes both physical contact and non-contact acts such as grooming or exposure to sexual material. Children cannot consent, so it is always abuse and never their fault.
