Understanding Childhood Sexual Abuse – Types, Signs and How to Get UK Support

Childhood sexual abuse can take many forms, from grooming to physical contact. This guide explains the types, warning signs, and long-term effects, and shows you how to get confidential legal and emotional support across the UK. You’re not alone. Help is always available.

At a Glance

• Understand types of childhood sexual abuse
• Recognise early warning signs and behaviours
• Learn how grooming and manipulation work
• Find out what’s legally considered abuse in the UK
• Get confidential, UK-wide legal and emotional support

Childhood sexual abuse explained

At Winston Solicitors, we understand how difficult it can be to talk about or even think about childhood sexual abuse. Many survivors come to us years later, unsure whether what happened to them was abuse. And that’s completely normal.

With over 3,000 five-star reviews and clients supported across the UK, our team offers clear, compassionate guidance when you’re ready to understand your rights and next steps.

Childhood sexual abuse happens when someone under 16 is involved in any sexual activity they can’t understand or consent to.
It can include:

• Touching or fondling
• Forcing or persuading a child to take part in sexual acts
• Exposing a child to sexual material or conversations

Even when there’s no physical contact, it’s still abuse. Children may not realise it’s wrong, especially if the person is someone they know or trust.

In the UK, any sexual activity with a child under 16 is illegal. This protection is set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the Children Act 1989.

These laws exist because children cannot give informed consent to sexual acts. If you’re unsure about what the law says or how it applies to your situation, our UK-wide childhood sexual abuse solicitors can explain your options clearly and confidentially.

Every case is different, but most fall into one or more of these categories:

Physical sexual abuse

Any sexual contact with a child, including touching, kissing, or penetration. This can cause deep emotional and psychological harm that often lasts into adulthood.

Sexual exploitation

When a child is manipulated or forced into sexual activity for someone else’s gain. For example, through trafficking, prostitution, or coercion.

Grooming and online abuse

Abusers often build trust through messages, gifts, attention, or sometimes online. Grooming can be slow and subtle, making it hard to spot.

Grooming tactics to look out for: secrecy, isolation, gifts, or emotional dependence.

Non-contact abuse

This includes exposing a child to sexual acts, taking or sharing indecent images, or making a child watch pornography.

Each type of abuse has serious emotional effects and understanding them helps protect children and support survivors.

Sadly, around 1 in 20 children in the UK experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 16 (NSPCC, 2025). Girls are more likely to be abused, but boys and non-binary children are also affected.

In most cases, the abuser is someone known to the child. Often a family member, friend, or trusted adult. You are not alone, and none of it is your fault.

Recognising signs can be difficult. Many children hide what’s happening because of fear, shame, or confusion. Look out for changes in:

Physical signs

• Unexplained injuries, bruising or bleeding
• Pain or discomfort when walking or sitting
• Frequent infections or physical complaints

Behavioural signs

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Acting more withdrawn or secretive
• Age-inappropriate sexual language or behaviour

Emotional signs

• Fearfulness or low self-esteem
• Nightmares, anxiety or depression
• Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships

These signs don’t always mean abuse, but they should never be ignored. If you’re worried, speak to a professional or contact us for guidance on what to do next.

When a child opens up about abuse, how you respond can make a huge difference. Here’s what to do:

1. Listen calmly and without judgement. Don’t interrupt or show shock.
2. Believe them. Children rarely make up stories about abuse.
3. Reassure them. Tell them it’s not their fault and they did the right thing.
4. Avoid probing questions. Let them share at their own pace.
5. Take action. Report concerns to the police or social services and seek professional advice.

Many survivors don’t feel ready to come forward until adulthood.

In the UK, most compensation claims must be made within two years of the abuse or the date it was reported, but exceptions can apply.

Courts often recognise the trauma involved and may allow historic claims where there’s a valid reason for the delay. Our experienced team regularly helps clients overcome time limits in abuse cases and move forward with confidence.

At Winston Solicitors, we specialise in child abuse claims and survivor support. We know every case is personal, and our role is to make things clearer legally, emotionally, and practically.

You’ll work with a dedicated solicitor who listens, explains your options, and helps you make informed choices about justice or compensation.
 

If you or someone you love has experienced childhood sexual abuse, confidential help is available. We offer UK-wide advice, free initial consultations, and a compassionate approach every step of the way.

You’re not alone - we’re here to listen, guide, and stand beside you.

Contact Winston Solicitors for confidential advice